Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan declared Kashmir as the “crown of India” during his visit to the iconic Hazratbal Dargah in Srinagar on Thursday. He emphasized the necessity of achieving complete normalcy in the region to facilitate self-governance and stability.

Speaking to reporters, Khan shared his deep emotional connection with Kashmir, recalling his regular visits over the decades. “I am saying this to the whole of India that Kashmir is the crown of our head,” he expressed passionately, indicating the importance he places on the region’s cultural and historical significance.

With a rich history tied to the Union Home Ministry in the 1980s, Khan reminisced about his engagements with Kashmiri students he met in Aligarh and Amritsar. “I have a long-standing bond with the people of Kashmir. Your hospitality is unmatched,” he stated, highlighting the warmth of Kashmiri culture.

Shifting his focus to the broader political landscape, Khan remarked on the evolution of Indian democracy beyond dynastic politics. He asserted, “In our democracy, sovereignty lies with the people, not the leaders. A person born in an ordinary house can rise to become the Prime Minister or the President,” reinforcing the inclusive principles that underpin democratic governance in India.

Khan also touched upon the painful memories of partition and its implications for Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed sorrow over the long-standing turmoil faced by its residents. “When a country is divided, hate becomes institutionalized, and the people of Kashmir have paid the highest price for it,” he lamented, urging a collective effort to address the region’s challenges.

In a strong call for peace and shared responsibility, Khan underscored that all Indians yearn for Kashmir to thrive like any other state. “The desire of the whole of India is that Kashmir function like any other state, but that requires creating normal conditions first,” he articulated, stressing the importance of stability for the state’s governance.

The Governor concluded with a message of empathy and mutual care, stating, “Ensuring peace in Kashmir is a shared national and human responsibility. Wherever there is pain, it is our duty to respond, because insecurity in one place is a threat to security everywhere.” His words resonate with a vision for a united effort toward achieving lasting peace in the region.

Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan declared Kashmir as the “crown of India” during his visit to the iconic Hazratbal Dargah in Srinagar on Thursday. He emphasized the necessity of achieving complete normalcy in the region to facilitate self-governance and stability.

Speaking to reporters, Khan shared his deep emotional connection with Kashmir, recalling his regular visits over the decades. “I am saying this to the whole of India that Kashmir is the crown of our head,” he expressed passionately, indicating the importance he places on the region’s cultural and historical significance.

With a rich history tied to the Union Home Ministry in the 1980s, Khan reminisced about his engagements with Kashmiri students he met in Aligarh and Amritsar. “I have a long-standing bond with the people of Kashmir. Your hospitality is unmatched,” he stated, highlighting the warmth of Kashmiri culture.

Shifting his focus to the broader political landscape, Khan remarked on the evolution of Indian democracy beyond dynastic politics. He asserted, “In our democracy, sovereignty lies with the people, not the leaders. A person born in an ordinary house can rise to become the Prime Minister or the President,” reinforcing the inclusive principles that underpin democratic governance in India.

Khan also touched upon the painful memories of partition and its implications for Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed sorrow over the long-standing turmoil faced by its residents. “When a country is divided, hate becomes institutionalized, and the people of Kashmir have paid the highest price for it,” he lamented, urging a collective effort to address the region’s challenges.

In a strong call for peace and shared responsibility, Khan underscored that all Indians yearn for Kashmir to thrive like any other state. “The desire of the whole of India is that Kashmir function like any other state, but that requires creating normal conditions first,” he articulated, stressing the importance of stability for the state’s governance.

The Governor concluded with a message of empathy and mutual care, stating, “Ensuring peace in Kashmir is a shared national and human responsibility. Wherever there is pain, it is our duty to respond, because insecurity in one place is a threat to security everywhere.” His words resonate with a vision for a united effort toward achieving lasting peace in the region.