Statehood for J&K is the Shared Aspiration of the Entire Nation: Arif Mohammed Khan
Srinagar: Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Wednesday urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to intensify their efforts toward restoring complete normalcy in the region, emphasising that the restoration of full statehood is a collective aspiration of the entire nation, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, Khan said, “We are all concerned and we want normal conditions,” adding that the path toward full statehood reflects “the desire of the entire country.”
Responding to a question on the dual power structure in Jammu and Kashmir, Khan said that Prime Minister Modi personally wishes to see the Union Territory once again governed as a full-fledged state. However, he stressed that the responsibility to create conducive conditions for this lies primarily with the people of the region.
“It is our collective duty to create those normal conditions,” he said. “The goal is to ensure that the rule of law prevails in Kashmir just as it does across the rest of India.”
In an apparent reference to Pakistan, Khan remarked that “our neighbours have sown seeds of hatred in this part of the country, which must be uprooted completely.”
Reflecting on history, the Governor noted that the partition of 1947 brought about a “new situation” for Kashmir and cited Maulana Azad’s observations about the divisions and mistakes made by various communities. “While many have paid a price for these divisions, the people of Kashmir have paid the biggest price,” he said.
Khan also spoke about the human cost of conflict, observing that “very innocent people get caught in it.” Referring to a divine principle, he added that when conflict spreads, “its effects are not confined to those who create it—innocent people are also drawn into it.”
On the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, the Governor said all arrangements are in place for the first phase of polling scheduled for Thursday. Describing elections as a “festival of democracy,” he said India has proved that leadership is not confined to family lineage.
“The person who governs is chosen through the ballot. They are given a mandate by the people for a specific period. Sovereignty lies with the people of this country,” he said.
Highlighting the rise of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi from humble beginnings, Khan said their journeys send a strong message that there are no barriers to success in India.
“This sends a powerful message to the youth—that in our system, there are no limits to how high you can rise. You just need to earn the trust of the people. After that, the sky’s the limit,” he added.
