Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Nov 5: Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Wednesday described Kashmir as the “Crown of India”, saying that true progress in the region lies in strong institutions, rule of law and social harmony. He further said that the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood must follow a stable, peaceful and well-structured roadmap to ensure that the gains of governance and development are not compromised.
Khan said the delay in restoring J&K’s statehood was “indeed regrettable”. He said Kashmir had faced “difficult times”, but insisted that peace and normalcy must precede any political transition.
Speaking to the media after attending an event at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), the Bihar Governor, said the desire to restore statehood is shared by both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India, but such a transition must come through a sustainable and inclusive process.
“It is unfortunate that Kashmir had to endure such painful situations. The Prime Minister and the people of India share a collective hope to see Jammu and Kashmir regain its statehood, but that must come through a structured and sustainable mechanism,” he said.
Khan said that statehood to J&K will be meaningful only when backed by institutional stability, economic progress and public confidence. “It is not about haste but about building a strong foundation for the future through collective responsibility, transparent governance and trust between the people and the state,” he said.
He said that institutional strength and administrative integrity are crucial for ensuring that peace and development take deep root. “Unless institutional mechanisms are established and strengthened, divisions and the atmosphere of mistrust could persist,” he said.
Reflecting on India’s post-Partition experience, the Bihar Governor said the country’s strength lies in its diversity, but governance must ensure equality and justice for all. “Maulana Azad once described the time after Partition as one when different communities coexisted despite differences, but those differences turned into divides. Unless we correct that through governance, such divides will keep reappearing,” he said.
He added that normalcy must be established so that the rule of law functions here just as it does elsewhere. It is a collective effort between you and us, he said.
Governor Khan said PM Modi’s vision for Jammu and Kashmir is centred on peace, empowerment and inclusion. “The Prime Minister wants Kashmir to have the autonomy to decide for itself, but in a way that ensures long-term stability and confidence,” he said.
Describing his emotional connection to the region, he said, “Kashmir is the crown of India. Those who seek true knowledge must walk a few steps towards Kashmir, as it is the cradle of wisdom, intellect and culture.”
Khan recalled visiting the valley several times in the past. “There is a special emotion in my heart for Kashmir. In 1984, I remember spending nearly a month here,” he added.
Turning to the upcoming Bihar elections, he said all arrangements have been carefully planned to ensure free, fair and transparent polling. “Tomorrow is polling day and preparations have been finalised. Democracy in our country has become very strong,” he said, describing the elections as a “celebration of democracy”.
Khan said that in India, power does not lie with lineage but with the people’s mandate. “The person who runs the government is chosen through the ballot box. They are not sovereign; the people of this country are sovereign,” he remarked.
Citing the journeys of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khan said their rise from humble beginnings to the nation’s highest offices showcases the strength and inclusivity of Indian democracy. “What message does this send to the youth? It shows there are no limits to what anyone can achieve. You must earn the people’s trust; after that, the sky is the limit,” he said. (KNO)
