Srinagar, June 27 (JKNS): Former Sadr-e-Riyasat and Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Karan Singh, on Saturday said the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir should take place, expressing hope that the Union Government would honour its commitment.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Interfaith Dialogue programme at SKICC Srinagar, Dr Karan Singh, as per news agency JKNS, said, “I think statehood should be restored. The Government has also said that it will restore statehood. Earlier, we were the country’s largest state.”
Responding to a question on the issue, he said people cannot force the Government to act. “We should not beg for it. When they decide to give it, that is their decision. We cannot compel them,” he added.
Highlighting the significance of interfaith dialogue, Dr Singh said it is essential for followers of different religions to sit together and understand one another. “The purpose of interfaith dialogue is that people belonging to different faiths come together and try to understand each other’s beliefs and traditions,” he said.
He also advocated the establishment of a dedicated Interfaith Dialogue Centre in Kashmir. Referring to the earlier Dara Shikoh Centre run by his daughter, Dr Singh said, “We want to establish a small centre here again. We hope people will cooperate with us.”
Appealing to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Karan Singh called for maintaining harmony and strengthening ties between the regions. “The relationship between Kashmir and Jammu should remain strong so that our region continues to progress, represents the entire country and contributes to national unity,” he said. (JKNS)
