Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday lashed out at the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, describing it as the “most unfair document” to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. His remarks came after the Centre suspended the treaty in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with tourism, trade, and industry bodies, Abdullah said, “Let’s be honest, Jammu and Kashmir has never been in favour of the Indus Water Treaty.” In response to questions on the Centre’s decision to put the treaty in abeyance, he said that while the full implications remain to be seen, the people of the Union territory have always considered the treaty unjust.
Following the Pahalgam attack, India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, expelled military attachés, suspended the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, and closed the Attari land-transit post.
When asked if the government would honour Syed Adil Hussain Shah, the brave ‘ponywallah’ who resisted the terrorists before being killed, Abdullah assured that Shah’s sacrifice would be recognized. “He is a symbol not just of Kashmiriyat but of Kashmiri hospitality, and it is our duty to reward his family and keep his memory alive,” he said. Maharashtra’s tour and travel operators have pledged to support Shah’s family by funding the children’s education and aiding them in the future.
The meeting of tourism and trade stakeholders strongly condemned the attack and expressed collective sorrow. Abdullah praised them for prioritizing solidarity with the victims over business concerns. “Not one participant in today’s meeting brought up losses to tourism or demanded compensation. They focused solely on expressing their grief and support,” he noted.
Regarding the strong condemnations of the attack made in mosques across the Valley, Abdullah said these actions exposed the false narratives spread by some media outlets. He criticized certain television channels for promoting hatred against Kashmiris and praised the observance of a two-minute silence at Jamia Masjid as a true reflection of Kashmiri sentiments.
“Unfortunately, some shameless channels won’t show this, because they thrive on hatred. Some anchors are cowards who are afraid of telling the truth,” Abdullah said sharply.
Meanwhile, Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq led the Friday congregation at Jamia Masjid in observing a moment of silence in solidarity with the victims of the attack.
On reports of harassment of Kashmiris outside the Union territory, Abdullah confirmed that he raised the issue directly with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Shah reportedly assured Abdullah that steps were being taken to protect Kashmiri students, traders, and other citizens across India, with advisories being issued and liaison efforts initiated by Jammu and Kashmir’s government with other states.
Abdullah concluded by stating that ministerial colleagues would personally visit states where Kashmiris are residing to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
