Srinagar

The Civil Secretariat, the main seat of the Jammu and Kashmir government, reopened in Srinagar on Monday as part of the centuries-old bi-annual “Darbar Move” tradition, officials said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was given a ceremonial guard of honour as government offices resumed functioning in the summer capital, a week after closing in Jammu.

In a post on its official X handle, the Chief Minister’s Office said the move marks a renewed continuation of governance under the revived Darbar Move system, with the entire Secretariat shifting to Srinagar after several years.

Under this practice, the administration operates from Jammu during the winter months and shifts to Srinagar for the summer season.

The system was introduced in 1872 by Maharaja Gulab Singh to avoid extreme weather conditions in both regions and was later continued after Independence to ensure balanced governance between Jammu and Kashmir.

The practice was discontinued in 2021 during the Lieutenant Governor’s rule but was restored in 2025 by Omar Abdullah after he assumed office.

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Ahead of the Secretariat’s shift, Srinagar witnessed civic upgrades, including road repairs, resurfacing of damaged stretches, and improvements to public walkways.