Jammu and Kashmir government resumes Darbar Move in Jammu

The Jammu and Kashmir government has officially resumed its biannual Darbar Move, shifting administrative operations from the summer capital, Srinagar, to the winter capital, Jammu. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah formally commenced work at the Civil Secretariat on Monday, where he received a guard of honour from the J&K Armed Police.

The resumption of this 154-year-old tradition, originally established by the Dogra Maharajas, follows its discontinuation in 2021. The practice was reinstated as part of an electoral promise by the National Conference. The move involves the relocation of the offices of the Chief Minister, cabinet ministers, senior bureaucrats, and various essential services, including the Director General of Police and the High Court.

To facilitate the transition, the administration implemented road macadamisation, beautification, and enhanced security measures across Jammu. Additionally, movement restrictions were imposed on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway to ensure the smooth passage of employee convoys.