Jammu, Nov 3: National Conference president and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that “those who wanted to divide Jammu and Kashmir have failed,” as government offices reopened in Jammu under the revived Darbar Move tradition.
Speaking to reporters during the reopening ceremony, Abdullah said the Union Territory stands united and must collectively work towards peace and progress.
“Those who wanted to separate Jammu and Kashmir have failed today. The parts of the Union Territory are one,” he asserted.
Taking a swipe at the BJP, he added that those politicising the issue should “leave politics” and instead focus on the welfare and development of the people.
Abdullah expressed hope that Jammu would gain “maximum benefit” from the arrival of the Civil Secretariat, adding, “This state has to rise again. It has faced many destructions, including wars, and now we must rebuild it together.”
He lauded Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s decision to revive the century-old Darbar Move — halted in 2021 — calling it a “big step” initiated by Maharaja Hari Singh that symbolizes unity between the two regions.
“It meant that the people of Jammu and Kashmir considered themselves one — irrespective of language or religion,” Abdullah said.
Congratulating the Chamber of Commerce and the people of Jammu for their warm welcome, he expressed gratitude to “every person who supported this step.”
On the upcoming assembly bypolls scheduled for November 11, Abdullah said, “We hope the elections will be good — and better for us. Our hopes are positive.” (Agencies)
