Traders, civil society members demand restoration of Darbar Move in J&K

By
Ziraat Times
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By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: Traders and civil society members across Jammu and Kashmir have voiced strong support for the restoration of the 149-year-old tradition of the Darbar Move, the biannual shifting of the J&K government offices between Srinagar and Jammu.

The practice, which was discontinued in 2021 by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration “to save approximately Rs 200 crore annually”, is seen by many as a crucial link fostering economic, social and cultural integration between the two regions.

Javid Ahmad Tenga, president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the Darbar Move is a tradition that has sustained for over a century and is integral to the economic and cultural fabric of J&K. “This tradition binds the two regions and boosts the economy. It must be restored,” he said.

Qayoom Wani, chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum, labelled the decision to halt the Darbar Move as a “conspiracy” to divide the union territory along religious lines. “The Darbar Move strengthens social, cultural and religious ties between the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Its discontinuation is a step toward fragmentation. We strongly support its immediate restoration,” Wani said.

Jammu traders, particularly those operating in areas such as Raghunath Bazaar, said they suffered economic losses since the Darbar Move’s suspension. “Business activity, especially during the winter months when government offices used to operate from Jammu, has dwindled drastically,” a local traders’ association representative said.

Khalid Hussain, a civil society member from Jammu, said the suspension has crippled sectors such as hospitality and retail. “Restoring the Darbar Move would revive Jammu’s economy and restore historical connections between the two regions,” he added.

The decision to discontinue the Darbar Move has faced staunch opposition from various quarters, including political parties, civil society groups and the business community. Many argue that the practice was about promoting unity and mutual dependence between Jammu and Srinagar.

The National Conference, in its election manifesto, has pledged to reinstate the Darbar Move if voted to power. It had cited widespread public support for the practice. Recently, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and members of his cabinet hinted that steps to restore the tradition are already under consideration.

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