The recent restoration of the Darbar Move in Jammu & Kashmir has drawn mixed reactions: some call it an unnecessary expense, others see it as a reaffirmation of this former state’s unity. Yet, beyond the logistical and financial arguments lies a deeper truth: the Darbar Move is a symbol of integration, coexistence and shared destiny for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Both the elected government and the LG administration deserve appreciation for acknowleding the imperative of this tradition and creating a common ground of agreement on this.
For over a century, the shifting of the government has served as a living bridge between two distinct yet inseparable regions — connecting languages, cultures and communities across the Pir Panjal. In a landscape where regional divisions can easily harden into social and political silos, this tradition has kept alive a sense of collective belonging and mutual respect.
Critics are right that the Darbar Move incurs significant cost and logistical effort. It is true it leaves a vast majority of the population in Kashmir fend for itself in the harsh cold winter. But in a region as diverse and sensitive as Jammu & Kashmir, some investments are symbolic yet vital. The Move allows officials, media, traders and civil society to interact across regions, fostering a spirit of interdependence rather than isolation. It promotes inter-regional understanding and strengthens the composite, secular ethos that has defined J&K’s character for generations.
At a time when polarization and parochialism threaten to fragment societies worldwide, the Darbar Move reminds us of a timeless truth — that unity is not built by convenience but by connection. The people of Jammu & Kashmir, whether from the valley or the plains, share a common cultural, emotional and developmental journey.
Restoring the Darbar Move is therefore a welcome reaffirmation of that shared heritage. It symbolizes the endurance of Kashmir’s pluralistic values and the recognition that this land’s strength lies not in separation but in solidarity.
