Pahalgam attack: Won't allow single drop of water to flow into Pak: Centre
The government plans to strengthen existing dams and build infrastructure to better manage India’s own water needs, especially in border states like Punjab and J&K
India on Thursday (April 25) informed Pakistan of its decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance with immediate effect, saying Pakistan has breached conditions of the treaty. The letter came in response to the deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam in which 26 people, mostly tourists were killed by terrorists.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss the fallout of the Pahalgam terror attack on tourists. Rahul, who earlier interacted with the injured tourists at the Army hospital in Srinagar, met Abdullah at his residence, officials said.
In Delhi, popular shopping hubs like Connaught Place, Sadar Bazar and Chandni Chowk were among the more than 900 markets that wore a deserted look on Friday as traders observed a 'Delhi Bandh' to protest against the Pahalgam terror attack.
Various merchant associations from sectors such as textiles, spices, utensils, and bullion also kept their shutters down.
Water treaty
Sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan targeting Jammu and Kashmir impedes India's rights under the Indus Waters Treaty, India's Secretary of Water Resources Debashree Mukherjee said in a letter addressed to her Pakistani counterpart, Syed Ali Murtaza.
"The obligation to honour a treaty in good faith is fundamental to a treaty. However, what we have seen instead is sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan targeting the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir," the letter read. "The resulting security uncertainties have directly impeded India's full utilisation of its rights under the treaty," the letter said.
On Thursday, the Centre also convened an all-party meeting where it briefed leaders about the attack and heard their views.
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- 25 April 2025 7:10 AM IST
Top divisional level officials visit Kishtwar to review security situation
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bhim Sen Tuti and Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar visited Kishtwar district on Thursday to review the security situation, assess operational preparedness and plan future measures to maintain peace and order in the region.
The high-level visit reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring peace and strengthening coordination among security forces, civil administration and other agencies, officials said.
They were accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police Shridhar Patil.
A security and crime review meeting was held in the town where Senior Superintendent of Police Kishtwar, Naresh Singh gave a detailed presentation on counter-insurgency operations, law and order, and recent crime trends in the district, they said.
Senior officers from the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, CISF, IRP, Intelligence Bureau, Military Intelligence and local police participated in the meeting along with Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan.
Discussions focused on improving inter-agency coordination, intelligence sharing, public-police interaction, and proactive policing to strengthen security across the district, the officials said.
IGP emphasised the need for operational readiness and community engagement to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. He also reviewed deployment plans for upcoming festivals and religious 'Yatras'.
The commitment was expressed by all stakeholders to work in unison to uphold peace and ensure public safety in the region.
- 25 April 2025 7:09 AM IST
Panun Kashmir urges govt to issue travel advisory for Kashmir, says situation 'far from normal'
Panun Kashmir, an organisation advocating for the cause of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, urged the Centre on Thursday to issue a travel advisory for Kashmir, asserting that the situation in the Valley is "far from normal" and tourists, particularly Hindus, face a serious threat.
This comes after 26 people, mostly tourists, were gunned down by terrorists in south Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday. Some of the eyewitnesses have claimed that the victims were asked about their religion before they were shot.
Speaking to reporters here, Panun Kashmir Chairman Ajay Chrungoo said the terrorist attack in Kashmir sends a "clear message" that the Valley is unsafe for visitors and residents alike.
"Every tourist visiting Kashmir is at risk, especially Hindu tourists and local Hindu residents. The government of India must acknowledge this reality and not mislead the nation with claims of normalcy," he said.
Claiming that the situation in Kashmir is "far from normal", Chrungoo appealed to the government to issue a travel advisory for the Valley. Tourists, particularly Hindus, face a serious threat, he said.
The Panun Kashmir leader alleged that the current dispensation has ignored the vulnerability of Hindus in the region.
"If the situation were truly normal, the home minister would have encouraged his party to contest elections in Kashmir. Instead, Kashmiri Muslim political forces have regained dominance," he said.
