Jammu and Kashmir's Water Rights Debate: Abdullah Challenges Central Plans

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized Israel's attack on Iran, stressing that war is undesirable. He defended the state's entitlement to its waters, rejecting proposals to channel surplus water to other states. Abdullah also anticipated Prime Minister Modi upholding the promise to restore J&K's statehood.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has voiced strong opposition to Israel's recent attack on Iran, emphasizing that war is never a desirable outcome. Speaking to the media in Jammu after inaugurating the Raabta outreach office, Abdullah questioned Israel's motivations and highlighted the plight of over 6,000 Indians trapped in the conflict zone.

On domestic matters, Abdullah firmly stated that Jammu and Kashmir should hold primary rights over its water resources, dismissing the central government's attempt to redirect surplus water to neighboring states. Highlighting water scarcity in Jammu, he pointed out past grievances with Punjab over water-sharing agreements.

Further, Abdullah expressed optimism that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would fulfill his pledge to reinstate Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. He also addressed issues of bus conditions for evacuated students and criticized PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti's stance on government service reservations.

(With inputs from agencies.)