Muzaffarabad: India has launched water aggression by releasing water into the River Jhelum at Hattian Bala in Muzaffarabad without prior notice. Following the sudden surge, the Muzaffarabad administration has declared a water emergency.
The River Jhelum, which originates in Indian-administrated Kashmir’s Anantnag district and enters Pakistan at Chakothi through Uri, experienced a sudden and intense flood, causing a sharp rise in water levels. The unexpected swelling of the river created panic among local residents.
Announcements through mosque loudspeakers have been made in villages along the riverbanks to alert the population.
This incident comes in the wake of an attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-administrated Kashmir, after which India had announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty along with several other measures against Pakistan.
The Indus Waters Treaty is historically the only agreement between India and Pakistan that has endured through three major wars, uprisings in Jammu and Kashmir, and the 2002 military standoff. It is often cited globally as a successful example of resolving cross-border water disputes.
In response to India’s unilateral actions, Pakistan’s National Security Committee has announced a series of countermeasures deemed legitimate under international law.
There was an expectation that the office of the United Nations Secretary-General would intervene in time to prevent the situation from worsening. However, so far, the UN has only issued a statement without taking substantial action.
