New Delhi [India]: Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil revealed on Friday that the Centre has formulated a comprehensive roadmap to prevent the flow of Indian river water to Pakistan. This decision follows a significant meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The minister underscored that immediate actions are being prioritized, including the desilting of rivers, among other measures.
Speaking to the media, CR Paatil stated,
“A roadmap was prepared in the meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Three options were discussed in the meeting. The government is working on short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures so that not even a drop of water goes to Pakistan. Soon, desilting of rivers will be done to stop the water and divert it.”
This move comes amidst heightened tensions following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed strong disapproval of the Indus Water Treaty, which was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, calling it the “most unfair document” for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the media, Abdullah stated,
“The government of India has taken some steps. As far as J-K is concerned, we have never been in favour of the Indus Water Treaty. We have always believed that the Indus Water Treaty has been the most unfair document to the people of J-K.”
Omar Abdullah also discussed the assurances he received from Amit Shah concerning the safety of Jammu and Kashmir residents living in other states.
“It is regrettable that this attack took place, and we ensured that any issues that were brought to our attention in the meeting, we will work on them. During this meeting, I spoke with the Union Home Minister, and he assured me that all steps will be taken to ensure the safety of the people of J-K who are staying in other states… An advisory will be issued by the Home Ministry, and the Union Minister also spoke with the Chief Ministers of many states,” he added.
Earlier, a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, resulted in a decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. India made it clear that the treaty would not be enforced until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ceases its support for cross-border terrorism. In addition, the Attari Integrated Check Post has been closed as part of the measures.