Muzaffarabad: In a move that has raised serious concerns, India has released water into the Jhelum River without prior notification to Pakistan, following the recent Pahalgam attack.
This sudden water release has caused a sharp rise in water levels near Muzaffarabad, prompting the local administration to declare a water emergency in the Hattian Bala region.
The water levels surged through the Chakothi area, causing panic among local residents living near the riverbanks. Announcements were made in mosques to warn the public about the sudden rise in water levels.
The water entered from the Indian-occupied Anantnag region, exacerbating the situation.
This development follows recent tensions between India and Pakistan, with India threatening to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which has governed water-sharing between the two nations for decades. Pakistan views this action as a violation of international water agreements and regulations.
The IWT, which has survived through three wars and multiple regional disputes, is now under threat as India seems prepared to abandon the longstanding treaty. In response, Pakistan’s National Security Committee has implemented measures under international law to address the situation.
The committee has issued a warning, stating that any further hostile actions by India could escalate regional tensions and have serious geopolitical consequences.