In Srinagar, Omar’s ‘Raabita’ initiative is bridging the gap with the public — one grievance at a time

By | July 21, 2025
Omar Abdullah Raabita Srinagar public meeting

In a bid to reconnect with the public amid growing political disillusionment, National Conference vice-president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has launched an outreach initiative called ‘Raabita’ in Srinagar. The program, which translates to “connection” in Urdu, aims to bridge the widening gap between citizens and political leadership by providing a platform for people to voice their grievances directly.

What is ‘Raabita’?

‘Raabita’ is not your typical political campaign. It is a grassroots, people-centric initiative under which Omar Abdullah and other National Conference leaders meet with citizens in person, listen to their concerns, and attempt to resolve long-standing civic issues.

Launched earlier this month, the initiative involves scheduled grievance redressal camps in local areas, starting from Srinagar and likely to extend across other districts. The objective is to foster trust, accountability, and prompt action in a region often plagued by bureaucratic delays and political alienation.

A Political Reconnection Effort

Omar Abdullah, whose party lost significant ground in the wake of the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, seems keen on rebuilding public confidence. By launching Raabita, he is signaling a return to old-school, face-to-face politics — something that has been missing from Kashmir’s political landscape in recent years.

“People feel disconnected. Raabita is our effort to re-establish that bond and make them feel heard,” Omar said during a recent session.

The initiative also stands out for its non-confrontational tone, focusing more on resolving civic and developmental issues rather than engaging in political rhetoric.

Public Response: Hope Amid Discontent

The response has been largely positive, with dozens of citizens turning up at each Raabita session, bringing issues ranging from delayed pensions and non-functional drainage systems to land disputes and unemployment.

For many locals, this initiative offers a rare chance to directly engage with political leadership. Residents have expressed cautious optimism, hoping the grievances don’t just end up in registers but lead to real administrative action.

Key Grievances Raised So Far

  • Delayed government services like ration card renewals and pension disbursement
  • Neglected infrastructure such as broken roads and poor sanitation
  • Unemployment concerns, especially among the youth
  • Post-370 confusion around property rights and domicile issues

Each complaint is being documented by the NC team, which has promised to follow up with the concerned government departments.

A Model for Other Parties?

The initiative has caught the attention of political observers and even rivals. While some have praised the effort as a sincere attempt at outreach, others see it as a strategic move ahead of the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir, expected within the next year.

Nevertheless, the format of Raabita — direct communication, immediate response, and community trust-building — could inspire similar models across the region and beyond.

Conclusion

In a region where political alienation runs deep, Omar Abdullah’s Raabita could be the beginning of a new chapter in public-political relations. While its long-term impact remains to be seen, the initiative has already rekindled a crucial element of governance — human connection. By listening first and acting second, Raabita shows that even in conflict-scarred regions, democracy can still find its pulse.