JK govt to resume functioning from Jammu amid strike call today

Jammu: The civil secretariat and other offices will reopen here tomorrow after a 10-day break owing to the pre-Independence practice of "darbar move" under which the Jammu and Kashmir government functions six months each in the twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu.

The reopening of government offices in the winter capital will be marked by a strike call given by a traders federation and supported by various Jammu-based organizations to highlight the alleged failure of the PDP-BJP government to address their issues including continuation of toll tax on goods imported from outside the state.

The practice of "darbar move" was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1872 to escape the summer heat of Jammu and the biting winters of Srinagar.

"All necessary arrangements are in place to ensure smooth functioning of the government from here," Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Mandeep K Bhandari said.

He said the administration was ready and the works to ensure better facilities to employees have been completed.

Arrangements have been made to deal with any situation including law and order problem in the wake of the bandh call given by certain groups, Bhandari said.

The bandh call was given by Chamber of Traders Federation (CTF) to protest toll tax on goods imported from outside the state and to press for public holiday on the birth anniversary of last Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh.

While many organisations including Jammu High Court Bar Association, National Panthers Party and Team Jammu extended support to the strike call, Bari Brahmana Industries Association (BBIA) opposed it.

It said "the toll post is working as a tool to stop the import of unaccounted goods by "vested interests".