Restore Darbar Move or declare Srinagar as Capital : Er Rashid
Holds protest outside Secretariat
Srinagar, October 25: Scores of activists from the Awami Itihaad Party (AIP), led by party President and MP Baramulla Er Rashid, held a protest march today demanding the restoration of the Darbar Move, a tradition integral to ensuring social integration and good governance across Jammu and Kashmir. The protest march started from Exhibition Chowk and concluded at the Civil Secretariat Gate, drew significant attention as demonstrators called for clarity on the capital status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the media, Er Rashid highlighted the confusion and hardships faced by the people, who remain 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, adding that the administration must either restore the Darbar Move or officially declare Srinagar as the capital.
Er Rashid also criticized National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah, accusing him of hypocrisy. He noted that meeting the Home Minister or Prime Minister, without voicing concerns over Article 370, Article 35A, and the release of political prisoners amounts to “complete surrender” on issues for which the NC had sought votes. Er Rashid emphasized that while he supports the prosperity of Abdullah’s government and will back efforts that genuinely benefit the people, he expects the Omar Abdullah led govt to fulfill its promises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In his remarks, Er Rashid also expressed concern over recent killings in Shopian, Gangangeer, and Tral, asserting that violence has brought only destruction to Jammu and Kashmir. He urged stakeholders to abandon the path of violence to foster peace with justice.