Srinagar: Accusing Pakistan of “sucking the blood” of Jammu and Kashmir by denying it the right to use its river resources, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday launched an attack on Islamabad for staking a claim over waters originating from the region, asserting that the neighbouring country cannot be selective in its sympathy for Kashmiris.
Responding to remarks by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Abdullah maintained that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have historically borne the brunt of the water-sharing framework.
“We have always been saying that our blood has been sucked – these are our rivers. We had the first right on this. Pakistanis say they are great sympathisers of Kashmiris. But when it comes to water, their sympathy disappears. Where was their sympathy when we were denied permission to use our rivers?” Abdullah told reporters here.
Sharif had earlier warned that “every drop of water is our red line” and stated that Islamabad would issue a “direct response” if its water supplies were threatened.
Lashing out at the historical division under the IWT, Abdullah pointed out that out of the six rivers, India retained three belonging to Punjab, while the three rivers of Jammu and Kashmir were handed over to Pakistan, causing long-term detriment to the local population.
“From then until today, we are suffering the consequences of this Indus Waters Treaty. We could neither draw drinking water from the Chenab, nor could we use the Jhelum for navigation by building a barrage on Tulbul, nor could we stop water by building a big dam on any of our rivers,” he said.
Noting that the IWT was kept in abeyance following the terror attack in Pahalgam, the chief minister asserted that the treaty should remain revoked to allow Jammu and Kashmir to utilise its natural resources fully.
“Our blood has been sucked, and now that the Indus Waters Treaty has been suspended, it should remain suspended so that we can make proper use of this water,” Abdullah asserted.
Reacting to the assassination attempt on former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal, Abdullah condemned it and said the incident has raised serious concerns over security lapses.
“We strongly condemn this, and such attacks should not take place. Before this also, there was an attack in Amritsar, after which it was stated that special care would be taken of his security, that there will be Z-plus security.
“But where is the Z-plus? The attack took place for the second time, this time he was even injured, and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment,” Abdullah said.
He said such attacks should not happen in a democracy, and if there is any grievance against anyone, people can express that through elections. “Attacking is very dangerous for democracy,” he added.
Pandits’ security in Valley must not be overlooked: CM Omar Abdullah
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said those responsible for security in Jammu and Kashmir should not take the terror threats to Kashmiri Pandit workers in the Valley lightly.
He referred to several attacks on the KPs in recent years to stress his remark.
“We have been hearing time and again that militancy has ended (in J&K), that now no one (terrorist) is left. But then this threat (comes), so where is this threat from? And those who are responsible for security arrangements, they should not take these threats lightly,” Abdullah told reporters here.
The chief minister called for action against those behind the reported threats, and called for full security arrangements for the Kashmiri Pandits working in the valley.
“One or two years ago, targeted killings happened, particularly against the minority community. How many names should I take of those who were targeted? Even many employees were preparing to flee from here. They were kept in their camps after being almost arrested. Gates were locked.
“So, this threat should not be taken lightly. Action should be taken against the people behind this. And full security arrangements should be kept for these people,” he added.
Asked whether his party, the National Conference (NC), has any more plans to hold a march at Jantar Mantar in Delhi to press for the restoration of statehood, Abdullah said there were many options.
“Obviously, we are not going to discuss it with you first. We will discuss it amongst ourselves. There are many options. Now, apparently, I hear my party is planning a long march (to Jantar Mantar). That is a good thing; it is not a wrong thing,” he said.
Abdullah said it was not a “normal” promise that was made to the people of J&K on statehood.
“It was (PM Narendra) Modi’s promise. It is stated in our country that there are normal promises, then there is the super promise. This was a super promise. Why has this super promise not been fulfilled yet? We are not getting an answer to this,” he said.
He said the party’s Jantar Mantar protest on July 20 was not the end, but the beginning. “What we have to do next, we will see.”
Asked how difficult it has been to govern a Union Territory, the NC leader said it is a long story and “there is not enough time to tell you my sad story.”
“Now, it is what it is. We are doing as much as we can. There is still time. We will keep bringing up this topic again and again. Neither have I ever been silent on this topic, nor will I be. We will keep talking,” he said.
The chief minister expressed hope that business rules prepared by his government will be approved and implemented.
“I am hopeful … We showed all flexibility from our side. We even informally shared it. Now, after a few days, I have to go to Delhi and talk to the home minister about various things. I will talk about this too,” he said.
Abdullah said the cabinet had also responded to the queries that were raised on the issue of reservation.
“The answer was sent to the LG as per the rules. What happened after that? Someone tell us, has our response been sent to Delhi? Has it been approved?” he wondered.
Abdullah said they should not be held responsible if “Gen-Z-type” protests take place in J&K over reservation.
“We will not be responsible if Gen-Z-like events start here. We have done our work. We have given answers. We have justified … But it is not good that these people now suppress our cabinet’s decisions in this manner,” he said.
On the elections to the local bodies, the chief minister said the polls would take place at an “appropriate time”.
“At the appropriate time. Local body elections have to happen. Why wouldn’t they happen? (But), at the appropriate time. That is all I will say,” he said.
