Srinagar, Nov 11 (KNO): After six years, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has resumed office in the Civil Secretariat of Jammu, marking the return of winter governance in Jammu and Kashmir winter capital.
Omar, who assumed office in the newly formed Union Territory's first elected government, arrived in Jammu’s Secretariat on Monday to initiate governmental operations for the winter season.
The annual shift, known as the Darbar Move, has yet to be formally reinstated by the administration. However, officials report that the government’s winter relocation to Jammu has effectively started.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Darbar Move, a 149-year-old practice abolished following the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act of 2019, was widely criticized for its cancellation, especially by major political parties including the National Conference (NC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Congress.
They argued that the shift's discontinuation was harmful to the region’s cultural and economic diversity. Instituted by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1872, the Darbar Move originally aimed to facilitate governance in both Srinagar and Jammu, capitalizing on each city’s favorable weather during summer and winter, respectively.
The practice previously brought significant economic benefits to Jammu’s local business community each winter. Following recent administrative actions cancelling official housing allotments in both Srinagar and Jammu, many believed the Darbar Move had been permanently terminated.
However, as the Omar led government reoccupies the Jammu Secretariat, it is possible that this annual migration could be reinstated in some form.
Chief Minister Abdullah’s travel to Jammu was delayed by foggy weather, forcing him to take the journey by road after flights were cancelled.
Abdullah shared videos from his journey, underscoring the logistical challenges faced by winter travel to Jammu.
Security and traffic management have been enhanced around the Secretariat, where a surge in activity is expected as ministers and officials resume work.
In the coming days, Abdullah is set to convene meetings to review development projects and coordinate efforts with various departments, re-establishing winter administration in Jammu—(KNO)