SRINAGAR, May 17 (KNS): The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday strongly criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his recent remarks on the Tulbul Navigation Project and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cautioning that such statements could jeopardise the fragile ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC).
In an official statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), the PDP described Abdullah’s comments as “ill-timed” and “deeply irresponsible,” particularly in the wake of heightened tensions following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
“At a moment when peace is fragile and the ceasefire is barely holding, such provocations only serve to inflame tensions,” the statement read.
The party also clarified the historical record regarding the 2002 resolution on the Indus Waters Treaty in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council. “The resolution was moved by an NC MLC, not the PDP. It passed solely because the National Conference held a majority in the Upper House,” the PDP said, distancing itself from the resolution.
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to peace, dialogue, and diplomacy, stating that Jammu and Kashmir should act as a bridge of peace between India and Pakistan rather than becoming a battleground.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Reacting to Abdullah’s call to scrap the IWT, the PDP termed the proposal as “dangerous and short-sighted,” warning that such rhetoric could escalate tensions and hurt the people of Jammu and Kashmir the most, especially those living in border areas.
“Our position is clear: We continue to demand fair compensation under the treaty to Jammu and Kashmir, but the IWT must not be used as a pretext for war rhetoric,” the statement added.
The party also criticised the inclusion of contentious issues like the Tulbul Project in the current discourse, arguing that this could further escalate the volatile situation between the two countries.
“Any attempt to stoke war will harm Kashmir more than anyone else. We demand peace, justice, and a future where Jammu & Kashmir is no longer made to pay the price of military attacks, drone attacks, and cross-border shelling,” the PDP concluded. (KNS)