SRINAGAR: The People\u2019s Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised National Conference (NC) leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his remarks concerning the Tulbul Navigation Project and the control of water flow across the border, calling them \u201cdeeply irresponsible\u201d and \u201cill-timed\u201d at a time when the ceasefire between India and Pakistan remains tenuous.<\/p>\n
According to a statement issued by the PDP, invoking controversial issues related to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) at such a sensitive juncture could inflame tensions and jeopardise the lives of people residing in border areas. The party said the government\u2019s recent decision to regulate water flow follows rising hostilities and the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, underscoring the urgent need for restraint and maturity in political discourse.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeaders must act with maturity, not opportunism,\u201d the statement read, warning that stoking conflict rhetoric in a volatile atmosphere would only harm Jammu and Kashmir the most.<\/p>\n
The PDP also addressed recent claims concerning the 2002 Legislative Council resolution on the IWT, clarifying that it was introduced by a National Conference MLC and passed because of the NC\u2019s majority in the Upper House\u2014not with PDP\u2019s support. \u201cOur stand has always been consistent\u2014Jammu and Kashmir must serve as a bridge of peace between the two countries,\u201d the party said.<\/p>\n
The PDP called Omar Abdullah\u2019s suggestion to scrap the treaty and raise the Tulbul Navigation Project in current circumstances \u201cshort-sighted\u201d and \u201cdangerous,\u201d stating that such rhetoric risks escalation along the Line of Control.<\/p>\n
The PDP cautioned against using the IWT as a \u201cpretext for war\u201d. \u201cIntroducing contentious issues at this moment only pushes both countries closer to confrontation,\u201d the party asserted.<\/p>\n
The PDP concluded by urging all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy, stating, \u201cAny attempt to stoke war will harm Kashmir more than anyone else. We demand peace, justice, and a future where Jammu and Kashmir is no longer made to pay the price of military attacks and cross-border shelling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n