Jammu: Civil Secretariat reopens as Durbar Move resumes
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took the salute as government offices shifted from Srinagar to the winter capital on Monday.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration resumed operations from Jammu on Monday as the Civil Secretariat and other government offices reopened. According to the Kashmir Observer, the reopening is part of the 154-year-old biannual Durbar Move practice.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah arrived at the Civil Secretariat, the seat of the Union Territory government, where he took the salute during a ceremonial guard of honour. He also visited several offices and spoke with officials.
The Civil Secretariat, which contains the offices of the chief minister, ministers, and chief secretary, underwent renovations and a facelift before reopening. Government buildings and employee housing were also renovated.
The Durbar Move was introduced by Dogra rulers in 1872 to move the administration away from the harsh winter of the Kashmir Valley. While the practice was discontinued in 2021 to save costs and transition to e-offices, the Omar Abdullah-led government restored it in October 2025.
Security has been increased in Jammu, with police and paramilitary personnel stationed around the Secretariat, vital installations, and major roads.