Karan Singh, the son of Maharaja Hari Singh, invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a ‘ray of hope’ for Kashmir and demanded the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood during an interfaith dialogue held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
‘Crown of India’
Addressing the ‘Rishiwar’ Interfaith Dialogue, Singh described Kashmir as the ‘Crown of India’ and emphasized its unique cultural and spiritual heritage. He called for a renewed commitment to peace and harmony in the region, drawing on Gandhi’s message of unity and non-violence.
Singh’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the political status of Jammu and Kashmir, which was bifurcated into two union territories in August 2019. The demand for restoration of statehood has been a key political issue, with several parties and leaders advocating for it.
Interfaith Dialogue
The event, organized by the Rishiwar Foundation, brought together religious leaders, scholars, and activists to discuss interfaith harmony and the role of spirituality in conflict resolution. Singh stressed that Kashmir’s pluralistic traditions are an asset that must be preserved.
According to sources, Singh said, “Mahatma Gandhi always saw Kashmir as a ray of hope. We must live up to that vision by restoring the state’s dignity and autonomy.” He also called for dialogue between all stakeholders to address the region’s challenges.
Political Reactions
The demand for statehood restoration has gained traction in recent months, with several political parties urging the central government to fulfill its promise. The article did not specify any immediate response from the government or other political leaders.
Singh’s statement is significant given his family’s historical role in the region. Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession in 1947, integrating Jammu and Kashmir with India.
