Omar Abdullah slams Pakistan on Indus Water Treaty

Srinagar saw Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah defend the suspension of India's Indus Water Treaty (IWT) during a recent function. The CM confronted Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's remarks on the treaty, emphasizing Pakistan's lack of genuine concern for Kashmiri interests.

Sharif had stated that every drop of water is their red line, warning of direct response if water supplies were threatened. Abdullah countered that Pakistan's sympathy for Kashmiris evaporates when it comes to water, highlighting their denial of river usage rights since the IWT's inception.

Out of the six rivers, India retained three, while three rivers were granted to Pakistan and J&K. The GoI suspended the IWT following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025, which Abdullah firmly supported. Since then, J&K has faced significant consequences, including difficulty in accessing drinking water from the Chenab, using Jhelum for navigation, and constructing dams on its rivers.

Abdullah urged for the IWT to remain cancelled, allowing proper water utilization. He also criticized security forces for dismissing terror threats against J&K, particularly targeting Kashmiri Pandit workers. The CM called for stringent security measures and action against those behind the threats.

Additionally, Abdullah condemned the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, calling it dangerous for democracy. He emphasized that grievances should be addressed through elections rather than violence.