Restore ‘Darbar move’ or declare Srinagar permanent capital: MP
Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) president and Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid led a protest in Srinagar on Friday, demanding the restoration of the Darbar move — a biannual practice of shifting the capital between Jammu and Srinagar, seen as vital for social integration and governance in Jammu and Kashmir.
Starting from Exhibition Chowk, the protest march concluded at the Civil Secretariat gate. Rashid spoke to the media, emphasising the hardships caused by the absence of a unified capital, which has left residents uncertain about whether to approach the Secretariat in Jammu or Srinagar. He urged the administration to either reinstate the Darbar Move or officially designate Srinagar as the permanent capital.
Rashid also criticised National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah, accusing him of failing to address key issues, including Article 370, Article 35A, and the release of political prisoners, in his meetings with national leaders. Rashid described this as a “complete surrender” on issues for which the NC had sought votes. While expressing his willingness to support any initiative benefiting the people, Rashid urged the Abdullah-led administration to fulfill its promises.
Addressing recent violent incidents in Shopian, Gangangeer, and Tral, Rashid expressed deep concern and called on stakeholders to abandon violence, stressing that peace with justice is the only path forward for Jammu and Kashmir.
