Srinagar, Oct 25, KNT: President Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) and Parliament Member Engineer Rashid Friday led a protest march in Srinagar, calling for the restoration of the Darbar Move tradition, which according to him ensures social integration and good governance across Jammu and Kashmir.
Scores of AIP activists attended the protest, which began at Exhibition Crossing and concluded at the Civil Secretariat Gate. It drew significant attention to the demand for clarity on Jammu and Kashmir’s capital status.
Er Rashid emphasized the confusion and hardships faced by the people, uncertain about whether to approach the Srinagar or Jammu Secretariat. “People are in chaos and suffering as Jammu and Kashmir stands capital-less,” he remarked, urging the administration to either restore the Darbar Move or officially declare Srinagar as the capital.
Rashid also criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of ‘hypocrisy’ for meeting with the Home Minister and Prime Minister without addressing concerns over Article 370, Article 35A, and the release of political prisoners.
While supporting Omar Abdullah’s government, Rashid expects the fulfillment of promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Furthermore, Rashid expressed concern over recent killings in Shopian, Gangangeer, and Gulmarg, stating that violence has only brought destruction to the Jammu and Kashmir. He urged stakeholders to abandon violence and foster peace with justice.
The Darbar Move tradition, discontinued in 2021, was a bi-annual shift of the secretariat and government offices between Srinagar and Jammu, promoting trade, cultural integration and governance. [KNT]
