Jammu, Jan 14:
The Jammu & Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a blistering attack on PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, accusing her of prioritizing Pakistan’s interests over the welfare of Indian citizens.
In a press statement issued today, Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, Media Incharge of J&K BJP, termed Mufti’s repeated defense of the 64-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) as “unfortunate, irresponsible, and deeply damaging to national interests.”
The Sovereignty Argument
Dr. Mahotra asserted that the water resources flowing through Indian territory are the nation’s “sovereign property.” He detailed a new strategic shift in water management intended to benefit the local population:
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Infrastructure Boost: Water will be redirected for massive irrigation projects and to replenish depleting local water bodies.
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Energy Security: The BJP leader highlighted that regions like Jammu, currently struggling with electricity and water scarcity, will see total relief once new hydroelectric projects are commissioned.
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Economic Growth: Plans include utilizing these waters for navigation and diverse development-oriented purposes.
“Concerned for a Rogue State”
The BJP took a sharp personal dig at the PDP chief, questioning her loyalty to the people she once represented.
“It is deeply disturbing that leaders who have enjoyed every privilege as an Indian citizen—including holding the highest constitutional posts—appear more concerned about Pakistan’s interests than our own people,” Dr. Mahotra stated.
He labeled Pakistan as a “failing rogue state” responsible for decades of bloodshed and the forced exodus of Hindu minorities from the Kashmir Valley. Mahotra accused Mufti of “shedding tears for Pakistan” while remaining silent on the victims of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
Strategic Context: The IWT in “Abeyance”
The war of words comes at a time of heightened regional tension. Following major security incidents last year, India has taken a firm stance on the 1960 treaty:
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Treaty in Abeyance: India has effectively paused the treaty, citing “fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances.”
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Weaponization Debate: While Mufti has warned against using water as a “weapon,” the BJP maintains that prioritizing Indian farmers and citizens is a “national duty,” not an act of aggression.
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Fast-Tracking Projects: The central government has recently accelerated work on key power projects like Salal, Ratle, and Pakal Dul to maximize the utilization of the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab).
BJP’s Final Word
Dr. Mahotra concluded by stating that national interests cannot be politicized for electoral gains. He emphasized that the “unjust agreement” of 1960 disproportionately favored Pakistan for decades at the cost of Jammu & Kashmir’s growth—a status quo the current administration is no longer willing to accept.
