JAMMU, Jun 5: In a bold and timely appeal ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Ram Sena (SRS) Jammu and Kashmir President Rajiv Mahajan has urged the Prime Minister to immediately restore the Darbar Move practice and reinstate full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the dire need to revive Jammu’s business and trading ecosystem, which has been reeling under economic distress post the bifurcation of the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Rajiv Mahajan said the suspension of the traditional Darbar Move — the biannual shifting of the secretariat and government offices between Jammu and Srinagar — has severely impacted the economic vibrancy of Jammu. “Darbar Move was not just a governance tradition; it was the lifeline of Jammu’s business community. Hoteliers, transporters, retailers, restaurants, and thousands of daily wage earners relied on the six-month government presence here. Its discontinuation has triggered a prolonged economic lull in the city,” Mahajan stated.
He further added that while the intention behind ending Darbar Move was cited as saving public funds, the larger consequence has been economic stagnation in Jammu. “Jammu used to bustle with activity during the Durbar months. Now the markets are dull, footfall is low, and traders are struggling to survive. If the government really wants to promote equitable growth, then the Darbar Move must be resumed,” he emphasized.
Mahajan also demanded the immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that only a full-fledged state can ensure local accountability, transparent governance, and economic planning suited to regional needs. “Since Jammu and Kashmir became a Union Territory, there is a growing sense of alienation among the people. The business community, in particular, feels sidelined. Decisions are being taken without adequate consultation, and there is little scope for local voices to be heard in policymaking,” Mahajan remarked.
Highlighting the plight of Jammu’s traders, Mahajan noted that the local economy has suffered not only due to the political transition but also due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the decline in tourism, and rising costs of operations. “The business industry here is under unprecedented pressure. With the absence of state-level financial packages, lack of tax incentives, and declining investment interest, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to sustain businesses,” he said.
Mahajan suggested urged the government must undertake to support Jammu’s economic revival by revival of Darbar Move to ensure equitable administrative and economic focus and restoration of full statehood to enhance regional governance and economic autonomy.
“The time has come to give Jammu its due. We are not against the progress of Kashmir, but Jammu must not be neglected. Restoring Darbar Move and Statehood will not only boost business morale but also create employment, revive trade, and restore public confidence in governance,” Mahajan concluded.
His statement has resonated strongly across the local trade bodies, with many welcoming the call as a step in the right direction. As Jammu awaits economic rejuvenation, stakeholders hope the government listens to these urgent pleas for justice and balanced regional development.