Following the results of the Jammu Kashmir assembly elections, shopkeepers in Jammu’s iconic Raghunath Bazaar have appealed for the restoration of the Durbar Move tradition.
The 149-year-old biannual practice, which involved shifting the administration between Jammu and Srinagar, was halted by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha’s administration in 2021.
Shopkeepers expressed that the discontinuation of the Durbar Move has adversely affected their businesses, leading to a sharp decline in trade revenues.
Many believe the tradition played a crucial role in the economic vibrancy of the city, as it brought a surge of administrative activity, government employees, and business opportunities twice a year.
Rajesh Gupta, a 52-year-old shopkeeper, expressed his concerns: “Our business heavily relied on Kashmiris who visited during the Darbar Move. Since the government halted this tradition, not only has our revenue declined significantly, but the cultural and social connection between Jammu and Kashmir has also diminished. For the past three years, shopkeepers here have faced immense challenges as a result.”
He further explained, “The Darbar Move brought a steady stream of customers, especially during the winter months, allowing us to sustain our businesses throughout the year. Without it, markets are empty, and the economic impact is evident. We urge the new government to reinstate this tradition and revitalize Jammu’s economy.”
Madan Mohan Sharma, a veteran shopkeeper, mentioned, “Our business has been suffering ever since the tradition was scrapped. We are hopeful that the new government will fulfill its promises to restore it.”
Other shopkeepers echoed his sentiment, emphasizing that reviving the Durbar Move was crucial for economic recovery.
Jammu’s business community remains optimistic that the newly formed government will address their concerns, as many political parties had pledged to restore the tradition in their election manifestos.
Traders are also advocating for specific economic policies to be implemented to alleviate the financial challenges faced by small business owners in the region.
As elections mark the end of the long bureaucratic rule, shopkeepers see an opportunity for change and a chance to revive the Durbar Move to bring economic stability and growth back to Jammu.
The recent assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir saw the National Conference (NC) emerge as the single largest party, winning 42 out of the 90 assembly seats.
The BJP, despite struggling in the Kashmir Valley, retained its dominance in Jammu, winning 29 seats and improving its tally from 25 seats in 2014. The BJP swept key districts such as Jammu (11 seats), Samba (3 seats), Udhampur (4 seats), and Kathua (6 seats).
In contrast, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was severely impacted, managing to win only three seats while the majority of its candidates forfeited their security deposits.