The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), which represents Jammu’s business community, has played a consistently constructive role in shaping the region’s economic and civic discourse. Its recent acknowledgement of the importance of the Darbar Move and its appreciation of its restoration is both commendable and meaningful. The Darbar Move, despite being a long-standing administrative tradition, became a victim of political narratives that sought to divide the two regions of Jammu and Kashmir and widen mistrust. Its suspension not only weakened communal harmony but also adversely impacted commercial activity across both regions.
In this backdrop, CCI’s open acceptance of the Darbar Move’s revival and its expression of gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reflects a mature and farsighted understanding of Jammu’s interests. It demonstrates that the business community values unity, continuity of governance, and balanced development over political posturing. This positive shift in tone creates a conducive environment for meaningful dialogue between the government and the business sector.
It is in this atmosphere of goodwill that CCI President Arun Gupta’s meeting with the Chief Minister assumes heightened significance. He effectively articulated concerns about crucial development projects in Jammu—such as the Tawi Riverfront beautification, the Artificial Lake, and the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex—where delays have created frustration among citizens and traders alike. His representation of issues involving land allotments, pending lease deeds, SGST refunds, and the need for planned residential and commercial expansion reflects the broader sentiments of Jammu’s trading community, which has long awaited administrative responsiveness.
The ball is now clearly in the government’s court. The positive and cooperative approach exhibited by CCI places a greater responsibility on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to reciprocate with sincerity and urgency. The demands put forth by CCI are neither unreasonable nor outside the administrative domain. Most of them require only streamlined coordination, timely decisions, and a willingness to break bureaucratic inertia.
The Chief Minister must seize this opportunity to strengthen relations with Jammu’s business community by addressing their genuine concerns without delay. A proactive stance—marked by a high-level review meeting, clear timelines, and strict monitoring—would not only restore confidence but also signal that the administration values partnership over confrontation. Such an approach is essential at a time when Jammu and Kashmir needs greater harmony, economic vibrancy, and region-to-region trust.
CCI’s engagement has shown that the trading community is willing to rise above political divisions and contribute constructively to the region’s stability and progress. The onus is now on the government to ensure that this goodwill is not squandered. By acting decisively on the pending issues and demonstrating sensitivity to Jammu’s long-standing demands, the Chief Minister can rebuild faith, strengthen unity, and safeguard the economic and social fabric from the shadows of narrow political narratives.
In the end, the future of Jammu’s commerce, inter-regional harmony, and administrative cohesion depends on timely and responsible governance—supported by the same spirit of cooperation that CCI has displayed.DD
