Jammu, November 3, 2025 : In a historic revival of Jammu and Kashmir’s age-old tradition, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday walked from his official residence to the Civil Secretariat to mark the resumption of the biannual ‘Darbar Move’, which had been suspended since 2021.
The CM’s symbolic walk through Residency Road and Raghunath Bazar was met with enthusiastic cheers, flower showers, and drumbeats as traders and locals turned out in large numbers to welcome him. Members of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and other business associations hailed the move as a “reunion of tradition and trust.”
Accompanied by Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary and Minister Javed Rana, Abdullah’s gesture underscored his commitment to reconnecting Srinagar and Jammu — a key election promise he fulfilled on October 16, when he announced the return of the practice.
The ‘Darbar Move’, initiated nearly 150 years ago by the Dogra rulers, involves the seasonal shifting of government offices between Srinagar and Jammu. It was discontinued by LG Manoj Sinha in June 2021, citing cost efficiency and e-office transition, a decision that drew criticism from trade bodies who argued it hurt Jammu’s economy and cultural ties.
“Reviving the Darbar Move isn’t just administrative — it’s emotional. It restores balance and belonging between the two capitals,” said a senior trader while welcoming the CM.
Security personnel had a challenging time managing the jubilant crowds as Abdullah reached the secretariat, where the government officially resumed functioning from the winter capital for the next six months.
