Title: J&K CM’s remark on water sharing unreasonable: Akali Dal leader
The recent comment made by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister (CM) Omar Abdullah has sparked a heated debate in the region. While addressing a gathering, Abdullah stated that his government would not share any water with Punjab, a neighboring state. The remark has been strongly criticized by Shiromani Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema, who termed it as “unreasonable”.
The issue of water sharing has been a contentious one in the region for a long time. The rivers of Punjab, including the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, have long been a source of contention between the two states. While Punjab has always maintained that the water from these rivers belongs to the state and should be utilized for its own development, Jammu and Kashmir has argued that the water should be shared equally.
In his recent statement, Abdullah seemed to have taken a hardline stance on the issue. “We will not share any water with Punjab,” he said. “We will utilize our water resources for the development of our state and will not compromise on this.” This statement has been seen as a clear rejection of the long-standing demand of Punjab for a fair share of the water from the rivers.
Cheema, who has been a vocal critic of Abdullah’s stance, has called the remark “unreasonable”. “We did not expect him to comment on Punjab, as river water distribution has earlier also been in favour of other states like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi,” he said. “Punjab has been sharing its water with these states for decades, and it is only fair that we get a fair share of the water from the rivers.”
The Akali Dal leader also pointed out that Punjab has been facing severe water scarcity due to the lack of rainfall and the increasing demand for water from the industry and agriculture. “Punjab is facing a severe water crisis, and we need water to sustain our agriculture and industry,” he said. “We cannot afford to lose any more water to other states.”
The issue of water sharing has been a major point of contention between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir for decades. The two states have had several disputes over the issue, with both sides accusing each other of not being willing to compromise.
In the past, the dispute has led to several protests and agitations, with both sides claiming that they are being unfairly treated. The issue has also been taken up by various political parties and organizations, with some calling for a more equitable distribution of the water.
The recent statement by Abdullah has once again highlighted the urgency of the issue. While Punjab has been demanding a fair share of the water, Jammu and Kashmir has been refusing to budge. The situation is likely to remain tense until a solution is found.
In the meantime, the people of Punjab are left to bear the brunt of the water scarcity. The state is already facing a severe water crisis, and the lack of rainfall has made things worse. The situation has led to several farmers taking to the streets, demanding that the government take immediate action to address the issue.
The government of Punjab has been trying to address the issue by exploring alternative sources of water. However, the lack of rainfall and the increasing demand for water has made it a difficult task. The government has also been trying to promote water conservation and efficiency, but more needs to be done to address the crisis.
In conclusion, the recent statement by Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah has sparked a heated debate in the region. The remark has been strongly criticized by Shiromani Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema, who has termed it as “unreasonable”. The issue of water sharing has been a contentious one in the region for a long time, and a solution is urgently needed to address the crisis.
News Source: https://x.com/ANI/status/1935953245043933487
