Srinagar, Oct 25: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) Chairman and Member of Parliament Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, spearheaded a demonstration in Srinagar on Friday, pressing for the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s traditional bi-annual “Darbar Move.” Joined by supporters, Rashid led the crowd towards the civil secretariat, demanding the immediate return of the practice that historically saw the government alternate its base between Srinagar and Jammu—Srinagar in the summer and Jammu in the winter.
The Darbar Move, a practice dating back to 1872, was discontinued in 2021 by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration due to financial concerns, with costs reportedly exceeding ₹200 crore annually. The decision has since fueled debate, with advocates like Rashid highlighting the tradition’s cultural significance in fostering unity between Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the demonstrators, Rashid emphasized that the Darbar Move represents more than just financial considerations, describing it as a cultural bridge crucial to the state’s social fabric. “This isn’t merely about expenditure; it’s about upholding a bond that connects the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Rashid said, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the J&K leadership to take action.
Rashid further questioned the central government’s decisions regarding Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “They’ve already taken away our statehood, Article 370, and our unique identity. We ask the government to stop treating Jammu and Kashmir as a ground for political experimentation.”
He concluded by suggesting that if the Darbar Move is not restored, Srinagar should be declared the permanent capital. He warned that if demands are not met within a month, his party would escalate the protest, committed to restoring a tradition seen as central to Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural cohesion.