Drums, flowers: Rousing welcome for Omar Abdullah in Jammu after first Darbar Move in 4 years

In Jammu, the bi-annual tradition of the Darbar Move — shifting of the secretariat between Jammu and Srinagar — was revived after four years with significant fanfare. The article describes how crowds greeted Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, with drums, flowers and chants of “Darbar Move koun laya; Omar laya” as he walked through Wazarat Road in Jammu. The move is seen as fulfilling a key election promise and an attempt to symbolically bridge the gap between the two capitals. Supporters say it restores a sense of administrative equality and cultural linkage between Jammu and Kashmir, while critics point out the cost and logistical burden of shifting thousands of officials and files. As the 150-year-old tradition restarts, this event signals political intent but also raises questions around efficiency, regional balance and resource-allocation in the UT. (The Indian Express)