Samba Times Special
Jammu, October 17, 2025 – In a move hailed as a return to cultural and administrative roots, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the full restoration of the century-old “Darbar Move” tradition on Thursday, fulfilling a key electoral promise and bridging the seasonal divide between the Union Territory’s twin capitals, Srinagar and Jammu.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu to mark one year in office, Abdullah reflected on the discontinuation of the practice, which was halted in 2021 by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration amid claims of logistical inefficiencies and the rise of digital governance. “Why was this Darbar Move discontinued? This was an old tradition,” Abdullah remarked. He detailed the swift governmental process that brought the revival to fruition: the state cabinet approved the full-fledged return in September, forwarding the decision to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for concurrence. The LG signed off on the file, paving the way for Abdullah’s personal endorsement. “Today, I have signed the government file for the full Darbar Move, and I hope the order will be issued, and we will restore the old Darbar Move tradition,” he added, drawing applause from supporters.
The Darbar Move, first instituted in 1872 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh – successor to the Dogra founder Maharaja Gulab Singh – was designed to adapt governance to the region’s extreme weather patterns. Under the tradition, the civil secretariat and key government offices would migrate from the winter capital in Jammu to the summer capital in Srinagar, ensuring year-round accessibility and fostering a sense of equity between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu plains. For generations, this biannual ritual symbolized unity, injecting economic vitality into host cities through the influx of officials, staff, and their families – a seasonal boost that supported local businesses, hotels, and transport sectors.
The 2021 suspension, ordered by then-LG Manoj Sinha, sparked controversy while some hailing it as good & other wrong decision. Critics, including Abdullah’s National Conference (NC), argued it eroded historical legacies and widened the perceived urban-rural, valley-plains chasm. During his 2023 election campaign, Abdullah pledged its reinstatement as a cornerstone of is agenda, a vow now realized just months into his government’s second term.
Official orders issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) on October 16 confirm the mechanics of the revival. Offices adhering to a five-day workweek will shutter in Srinagar on October 31, while six-day operations wrap up on November 1. All departments are slated to reopen in Jammu on November 3, with adjusted timings: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for the Civil Secretariat and 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for others. This marks the first full shift since the pandemic-era disruptions, signaling a normalized return to pre-2021 protocols.
The announcement has elicited broad praise across political and economic lines. Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana described it as a “bold and visionary step,” highlighting its role beyond bureaucracy – as a “symbol of cultural integration, emotional unity, and regional inclusivity.” He highlighted its economic ripple effects in Jammu, where the influx sustains thousands of livelihoods in trade, hospitality, and services.
Rahul Sahai, Chairman of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Jammu & Kashmir, echoed the sentiment, congratulating both Abdullah and LG Sinha. “This decision will bring renewed vibrancy to Jammu’s trade and business sector, as our markets and bazaars will once again be filled with customers from the Kashmir region during the winter months,” Sahai stated, projecting a surge in balanced economic activity across the UT.
Abdullah used the occasion to take a pointed swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of undermining pre-1947 Dogra legacies – a narrative the NC has long leveraged to rally Jammu’s support. “Those who used to accuse us of not understanding the history of Jammu and Kashmir before 1947, and of not respecting the great personalities of the region – let it be known that no one has damaged their legacy more than the BJP,” he quipped.
The revival coincides with Abdullah’s renewed push for statehood restoration, a perennial demand he reiterated during the conference. “We still believe that the solution to all of Jammu and Kashmir’s problems lies in restoring statehood,” he affirmed, expressing optimism for central government action. On the political front, he hinted at ongoing alliances, including discussions with the Congress for upcoming assembly by-elections and expectations of cross-party support in Rajya Sabha polls.
As winter approaches, the Darbar Move’s return evokes nostalgia & the vista of the reminisces of this exercise that united the two regions in the past.
