Jammu, November 3,2025: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah received a rousing and heartfelt reception from the people of Jammu as the biannual Darbar Move resumed on Sunday, marking the formal opening of government offices in the Union Territory’s winter capital. The restoration of the historic practice, resumed after a gap of four years, has reignited the festive spirit and enthusiasm across Jammu city.
The Chief Minister arrived at Shaheedi Chowk at around 9:15 AM, where he was warmly welcomed by representatives of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce, Residency Road Traders Association, and Rajinder Bazar Association. A cheerful crowd of citizens, traders, and officials gathered to greet him, reflecting the traditional warmth that accompanies the shifting of the Secretariat to Jammu every winter.
Omar Abdullah then proceeded on foot through Residency Road, greeting traders and shopkeepers along the way. At Raghunath Bazar Chowk, he was felicitated by members of the Raghunath Bazar Association, before continuing towards City Chowk, where members of the City Chowk Bazar and Kanak Mandi Bazar Associations extended a warm welcome.
Upon reaching the Civil Secretariat, the Chief Minister was presented with a Guard of Honour, officially marking the opening of the offices as part of the traditional Darbar Move ceremony. He inspected the ceremonial parade and interacted with officers and staff on the occasion.
Following the formal reception, Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting with the Council of Ministers and Administrative Secretaries to review the functioning of departments and assess administrative preparedness for the winter session.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister termed the restoration of the Darbar Move as “a welcome experience,” saying it has infused “a wave of enthusiasm and happiness across Jammu city and its adjoining areas.” He, however, emphasised that the administration must now shift its focus from planning to performance.
“All planning and discussion phases have been completed. It is now time to translate decisions into tangible outcomes on the ground,” Omar Abdullah stressed, directing departments to ensure timely implementation of sanctioned projects and visible progress at the grassroots level.
Acknowledging fiscal limitations, he assured that issues related to financial constraints will be “appropriately addressed,” and called for a balanced approach — encouraging effective delivery while controlling unnecessary expenditure.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that several district-level review meetings had already been conducted in the Kashmir province, and similar interactions will now be held across the Jammu division to evaluate developmental works and address public concerns.
Omar Abdullah commended all government departments for their coordinated efforts in ensuring the smooth conduct of the recently concluded Assembly session, urging them to maintain the same level of dedication in delivering on-ground results.
The resumption of the Darbar Move tradition, which symbolises administrative continuity and regional balance, has rekindled excitement and optimism in Jammu. Citizens and traders described the day as a revival of the city’s historic vibrancy — a hallmark of the state’s governance legacy.
