Srinagar, Nov 13 ( KINS ) : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti warned that revisiting the claims Indus Water Treaty could increase regional tensions, ultimately playing into the BJP’s hands. This came in response to recent remarks by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who argued that the treaty restricts Jammu and Kashmir’s ability to maximize its hydropower potential due to storage limitations.
Abdullah criticized the treaty, established in 1960 between India and Pakistan, for hampering the Union Territory’s access to its own water resources. While Mehbooba acknowledged these constraints, she expressed concern that re-igniting the issue aligns with the BJP’s narrative and risks inflaming regional tensions.
Highlighting the state’s unique energy challenges, Mehbooba noted, “Jammu and Kashmir is the only region producing electricity yet facing severe shortages, as NHPC controls the power, which it then sells back to us.” She urged Abdullah to focus on reclaiming power projects from the NHPC or pushing for financial compensation from the Centre if reclamation proves unviable.
Abdullah, speaking at a recent power ministers’ conference, emphasized the significant impact of the treaty on Jammu and Kashmir’s winter energy security and advocated for central assistance to fully realize the region’s hydroelectric potential.( KINS )
Reopening Indus Water Treaty would benefit BJP, warns Mehbooba Mufti after Omar Abdullah’s
