By Tehelka Web Desk
Former Union minister and senior statesman Karan Singh on Saturday said the Centre should fulfil its commitment to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, saying the region deserved to regain its previous status.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar, Singh said the Union government had already assured the restoration of statehood.
“I think it should be done. The government has also said that it will restore statehood,” he said when asked about the demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
Singh said Jammu and Kashmir was once among the country’s largest states and should not have to seek what rightfully belonged to it.
He also emphasised the importance of interfaith dialogue, saying it was essential for preserving India’s unity and diversity.
“The purpose of interfaith dialogue is that people of different religions sit together and try to understand each other,” he said, adding that such efforts were particularly important in Kashmir.
Recalling earlier initiatives to promote communal harmony, Singh said his daughter had run a centre in Srinagar dedicated to the ideals of Dara Shikoh and expressed hope that a similar institution could be established again with public support.
Appealing to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to maintain harmony and strengthen relations across the region, Singh said, “I would like to tell the people of Kashmir to maintain good relations so that our state can progress and continue to represent the spirit of India.”
He said communal harmony and mutual understanding were essential for the country’s future and urged people to work together to preserve them.
