Jammu traders jubilant over revival of Darbar Move, say they never supported move to end historic practice

Jammu, Oct 17: The trading community in Jammu has warmly welcomed the government’s decision to revive the century-old Darbar Move practice, calling it a historic and positive step that will not only rejuvenate business activity in the winter capital but also help strengthen the emotional and administrative bond between Jammu and Kashmir.

Notably, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah yesterday announced that the file related to the resumption of full Darbar Move was approved by the Lieutenant Governor, and soon an order would be issued.

Members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Jammu and other business bodies expressed deep satisfaction over the decision, saying that the Darbar Move always brought significant economic activity to Jammu during the winter months. “This is a welcome decision. Whenever the Secretariat functions from Jammu, the entire market, from the hotel and transport sectors to traders and service providers, gets a major boost. We thank the government, especially the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for restoring this tradition.”.

Traders recalled that the suspension of the Darbar Move in 2021 had adversely affected the local economy, leading to a sharp decline in business turnover during the winter season. “The LG administration’s decision to do away with the practice was never in the interest of Jammu. We had opposed it from the beginning,” said Rakesh Sharma, a shopkeeper in the city’s Raghunath Bazaar.

Many local businessmen said that beyond economic revival, the restoration of the Darbar Move holds social and symbolic importance. “It bridges the gap between the two regions. When government offices operate from both capitals, people-to-people contact improves and administrative decisions become more balanced,” said another trader.

The traders also lauded Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for fulfilling his electoral promise and respecting the region’s historical identity. “This is not merely a political move, it’s a restoration of trust between Jammu and Kashmir,” said the a group of jubilant shopkeepers.

The Darbar Move, an old practice, involves the biannual shifting of offices between Srinagar and Jammu to ensure accessibility and regional parity. The revival of the tradition, traders say, has rekindled optimism across Jammu’s business circles ahead of the winter season. [KNT]