Jammu and Kashmir's Historic 'Darbar Move' Reinstated by Omar Abdullah

Jammu, Nov 3 (PTI) — On Monday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underscored the revival of the historic 'Darbar Move' by his administration, aiming to unify Jammu and Srinagar, the twin capitals of the former state.

The 'Darbar Move' entails the biannual relocation of government offices from Srinagar to Jammu during winter and returning them in summer.

This week marked the reopening of the Civil Secretariat and related offices in Jammu, beginning their six-month winter session after closing in Srinagar on October 30 and 31.

Abdullah criticized those who exploit regional divides between Jammu and Kashmir for political gains, and expressed commitment to addressing and eliminating such divides.

The tradition, initiated by Dogra rulers about 150 years ago, was suspended in June 2021 by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who pointed to the advantages of a digital transition, estimating savings of about Rs 200 crore annually.

This suspension faced backlash, particularly from Jammu's business sector, which viewed it as detrimental to regional trade and relationships, prompting calls for its restoration.

Abdullah reinstated the move on October 16, aligning with his electoral pledge, a decision warmly welcomed by the business community.

The chief minister detailed the overwhelming support he received, noting a dramatic increase in public engagement during his commute, reflecting the local significance of restoring the 'Darbar Move'.

Abdullah argued that while the halt was fiscally motivated, significant aspects like sentiment and cohesion between Jammu and Kashmir transcend monetary considerations.

He stressed that the move's discontinuation had strained regional unity, and his administration seeks to amend this through its revival.

Abdullah expressed optimism about the economic benefits for Jammu, emphasizing a purpose beyond financial calculations in maintaining this venerable practice.

As for the logistical details of the transition, he acknowledged potential initial hiccups, with a dedicated team led by Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra tasked with addressing employee needs, including office setups and accommodations.

Abdullah concluded with a commitment to continued improvements, expressing confidence in his relatively new administration's ability to evolve and enhance regional synergies.