Time to reverse durbar move: Omar Abdullah

Disturbed by heavy snowfall in Kashmir that has brought life to a standstill, Abdullah Saturday wrote on Twitter that he wanted the bi-annual shift of administration, known as the durbar move, to be reversed.

"Stop this escapism of running away at most problematic times -- stay in Srinagar during winter and Jammu in the summer to address problems," he posted on the micro-blogging site.

He also said that "since the darbar move could be done away with, perhaps the time had come to seriously consider reversing the move".

This is the first time Abdullah has made such a proposal.

The durbar move was introduced by Dogra rulers of Jammu and Kashmir more than a century ago to connect with the people, but of late this practice takes away the government and its functionaries away from people in distress, during winters in Kashmir, and in summer, in Jammu.

During the harsh winters in Srinagar, the seat of the government shifts to Jammu and when Jammu reels under intense summer heat, the government enjoys the cool climes of Srinagar.