Bihar Governor Calls Kashmir ‘Crown of India,’ Urges Normalcy

Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan declared Kashmir as “the crown of India” during his visit to the region on Thursday. He emphasized that achieving completa normalcy is a prerequisite for Kashmir to manage its affairs effectively.

While speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the prestigious Hazratbal Dargah in Srinagar, Khan voiced his deep emotional connection to Kashmir, which has persisted for decades. “I am saying this to the whole of India: Kashmir is the crown of our head,” he passionately remarked, reflecting on his numerous visits to the Valley since his early years in public life.

Khan shared personal anecdotes from his tenure at the Union Home Ministry during the 1980s, reminiscing about his interactions with Kashmiri students in places like Aligarh and Amritsar. He described these relationships as warm, stating, “I have a long-standing bond with the people of Kashmir. Your hospitality is unmatched,” which highlights the region’s charming and welcoming culture.

Shifting to the broader political landscape, the Governor highlighted that India’s democracy has progressed beyond the limitations of dynastic politics. “In our democracy, sovereignty lies with the people, not the leaders,” Khan stated. He underscored the notion that anyone, irrespective of their background, can aspire to the highest political office in the nation.

Khan also shared his thoughts on the pain stemming from the partition and the subsequent unrest, expressing deep sorrow for the struggles faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “When a country is divided, hate becomes institutionalized, and the people of Kashmir have paid the highest price for it,” he noted with empathy. This highlights the long-standing emotional wounds that continue to affect the citizens of the region.

He called for a collective effort towards peace, stating that every Indian shares the vision for Kashmir to regain stability. “The desire of the whole of India is that Kashmir should function like any other state, but that requires creating normal conditions first,” he reiterated, showcasing a national consensus on the need for peace in the Valley.

In a concluding message of empathy and unity, Governor Khan stressed the importance of shared responsibility in ensuring peace in Kashmir. “Wherever there is pain, it is our duty to respond, because insecurity in one place is a threat to security everywhere,” he asserted, reinforcing the idea that India’s future relies on the peaceful coexistence of all its regions.