By Pravin Kumar
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday took a firm stand against a proposed 113 km-long canal project aimed at redirecting surplus water from three western rivers of the Indus system in J&K to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Interacting with media persons after inaugurating a new Rabitta office in Jammu, aimed at strengthening public outreach and grievance redressal, Abdullah emphasized prioritizing J&K’s water needs, citing a drought-like situation in Jammu.
“I will never permit this. Let us use our water for ourselves first… Why should I send water to Punjab? Punjab already had water under the Indus Water Treaty. Did they give us water when we needed it?” he stated.
Omar also criticised PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and People’s Conference leader Sajjad Lone for not raising the issue of reservation in recruitment when they had the opportunity.
He accused Mufti of avoiding discussions on reservations during her election campaigns in Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch, and questioned Lone’s silence during his five-year proximity to the government.
Abdullah defended the J&K Cabinet Sub-Committee’s report on reservations, noting it has been sent to the law department for review. “If I had to waste time, I would have given six more months to the Sub-Committee. What would they have done then?” he remarked.
Addressing the restoration of J&K’s statehood, Abdullah reiterated his party’s commitment, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise. “Statehood, we are waiting for PM Modi’s promise in statehood,” he said, indicating a potential move to the Supreme Court if needed.
Commenting on escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Abdullah raised concerns about Israel’s actions, questioning, “What has Iran done that Israel has targeted it? It was said a few months back that Iran does not have any nuclear programme, so why is it now being targeted?” He also highlighted the plight of Indian students stranded in Iran, noting that 400 out of 1,600 from J&K have been moved to safety.
