PDP Slams Omar Abdullah’s ‘Dangerous’ Indus Water Treaty Comments
PDP Criticizes Omar Abdullah’s Remarks on Indus Water Treaty
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir has strongly condemned Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent call to scrap the Indus Water Treaty, labeling it ‘dangerous’ and ‘short-sighted’. The statement came in response to Mr. Abdullah’s comments advocating for the revival of the Tulbul navigation project, a move that has drawn criticism from Pakistan for potentially violating the treaty.
In a statement released on Saturday, May 17, 2025, the PDP expressed concern over the timing of Mr. Abdullah’s remarks, stating that they came at a time when peace in the region is fragile and the ceasefire is tenuous. The party argued that such provocative statements could only serve to escalate tensions between India and Pakistan.
The PDP emphasized that it has consistently advocated for peace, dialogue, and diplomacy, and believes that Jammu and Kashmir should be a bridge of peace, not a battleground. While the party acknowledges the need for fair compensation for J&K under the Indus Water Treaty, it stresses that the treaty should not be used as a pretext for war rhetoric.
The party further criticized Mr. Abdullah’s proposal to revive the Tulbul project, pointing out that it was halted in 1987 due to Pakistan’s objections based on the Indus Water Treaty. The PDP argued that bringing up contentious issues like the Tulbul project or the abrogation of the IWT in the current volatile climate risks pushing both countries closer to confrontation.
The PDP concludes by stating that any attempt to escalate tensions would ultimately harm Kashmir the most. The party calls for peace, justice, and a future where Jammu and Kashmir is no longer a pawn in the conflict between India and Pakistan.
Background: The Indus Water Treaty
The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, is a landmark agreement that allocates the waters of the six rivers of the Indus basin between India and Pakistan. The treaty was brokered by the World Bank and aims to ensure equitable sharing of the water resources, thereby promoting peace and stability in the region. However, the treaty has been a source of contention between the two countries, with each side accusing the other of violating its provisions.
