The Jammu and Kashmir government today began functioning here after shifting from Srinagar, the summer capital of the state, as part of the pre-Independence practice of "darbar move".


The Civil Secretariat, Raj Bhavan, police headquarters and other offices opened with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti inspecting a guard of honour at the seat of government in Jammu.


The reopening of government offices was marked by protests by the Congress and a partial strike by a traders federation to highlight the alleged failure of the PDP-BJP dispensation to address their issues.


Accompanied by Minister of State for Education Priya Sethi, the chief minister met employees on the first day of darbar move. "Darbar move offices have been opened here and we hope  to ensure that we bring best possible governance to the people of the state," Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh said.


He said the government will reach out to all sections of people and all areas of the three regions for best possible development on all fronts. The Civil Secretariat and other 'darbar move' offices function in Srinagar for six months of summer and in Jammu for the remaining six months of the year.  -- PTI