J&K CM’s Remark on Water Sharing Unreasonable: Akali Dal Leader
The recent statement made by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, stating that he will not share any water with Punjab, has been met with strong opposition from Shiromani Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema. Cheema has termed Abdullah’s remark as “unreasonable” and has urged the Chief Minister to reconsider his stance.
In a recent interview, Abdullah had expressed his reluctance to share water with Punjab, citing the state’s own water needs and the fact that the state has already been sharing water with other states like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. However, Cheema believes that Abdullah’s remark is not only unreasonable but also unfair to the people of Punjab.
“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,” Cheema said in an interview. “Punjab has been sharing its water with these states for a long time, and now it’s their turn to return the favour. The Chief Minister’s statement is not only unreasonable but also unfair to the people of Punjab.”
Cheema’s reaction is not unexpected, given the long-standing dispute between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir over the sharing of river waters. The two states have been at loggerheads over the issue for decades, with each side accusing the other of not fulfilling its obligations.
The dispute dates back to the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, which was signed between India and Pakistan to resolve the sharing of river waters between the two countries. Under the treaty, the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers were allocated to Pakistan, while India was allocated the waters of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers.
However, over the years, the two states have had several disputes over the sharing of these waters, with Punjab claiming that Jammu and Kashmir has been not fulfilling its obligations to share the waters. Jammu and Kashmir, on the other hand, has claimed that Punjab has been misusing the waters and not fulfilling its own obligations.
The dispute has been a major point of contention between the two states, with both sides accusing each other of being unfair. In recent years, the dispute has escalated, with both states taking steps to divert the waters of the rivers to meet their own needs.
In this context, Abdullah’s statement is seen as a major setback to the efforts to resolve the dispute. Cheema believes that the Chief Minister’s remark is not only unfair to Punjab but also sets a bad precedent for future negotiations.
“We urge the Chief Minister to reconsider his statement and work towards finding a solution to the dispute,” Cheema said. “The dispute over river waters is not a new issue, and it’s time for both states to come together and find a solution that is fair to all.”
Cheema’s remarks have been echoed by several other leaders in Punjab, who have also expressed their disappointment and anger over Abdullah’s statement. The Punjab government has also issued a statement condemning Abdullah’s remark and urging him to reconsider his stance.
The dispute over river waters is a complex issue, and any solution will require careful consideration of the needs of both states. However, Cheema’s remarks highlight the importance of finding a solution that is fair and reasonable, and that takes into account the needs and concerns of all parties involved.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister’s remark on water sharing is a major setback to the efforts to resolve the dispute between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. The dispute over river waters is a complex issue, and any solution will require careful consideration of the needs of both states. However, Cheema’s remarks highlight the importance of finding a solution that is fair and reasonable, and that takes into account the needs and concerns of all parties involved.
News Source:
https://x.com/ANI/status/1935953245043933487
