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In a dramatic escalation following recent cross-border tensions, India’s sudden release of water into the Jhelum River has sparked widespread panic across parts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The move, seen by many as a direct fallout of heightened India-Pakistan hostility post the Pahalgam terror attack, has resulted in evacuations, emergency warnings, and renewed fears of an intensified regional standoff.
The Instant News brings you the latest and most detailed insights into this unfolding situation, reinforcing our commitment to providing the most accurate real-time news updates globally.
Panic Grips PoK as Water Levels Surge
Late on Friday night, residents of Hattian Bala, Chakoti, and surrounding areas in PoK were jolted from sleep as sirens wailed and mosques announced emergency evacuations. Authorities urged people living near the banks of the Jhelum River to vacate immediately after noticing a sudden and sharp rise in water levels.
Local eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with families hastily abandoning homes, carrying only essentials. “The water came in so fast; we barely had time to react. Everything happened within hours,” said Muhammad Saeed, a local shopkeeper in Hattian Bala.
Initial reports suggest moderate flooding in low-lying regions, loss of livestock, and fears of damage to crops vital for local sustenance. Fortunately, no human casualties have been reported so far.
Pakistan Accuses India of “Water Terrorism”
The PoK administration and several Pakistani officials have accused India of violating the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) by releasing the water without prior notification. Some officials even went as far as calling it an act of “water terrorism” — a term that has been used in the past during periods of Indo-Pak tensions.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 under World Bank mediation, mandates that both countries share information about water discharges and dam operations to prevent humanitarian crises. Pakistan claims that no such intimation was given before India opened the sluice gates of the Uri Dam, leading to this emergency.
“This is a blatant breach of international agreements and an inhumane act, endangering thousands of innocent lives,” a senior official from PoK’s disaster management authority was quoted as saying.
India’s Silence Raises Speculation
Indian authorities have so far maintained an ambiguous stance. While some media outlets suggested that the release was due to heavy rainfall and dam management protocols in Jammu and Kashmir, others speculate that it was a strategic move following the deadly Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians.
India recently suspended its participation in the IWT discussions, citing Pakistan’s failure to prevent cross-border terrorism as a justification. Experts believe that weaponizing water — seen historically as a ‘last resort’ measure — could become a new tool in India’s evolving strategy to counter Pakistan’s tacit support to terror groups operating in Kashmir.
Regional Tensions Continue to Rise
The already strained relations between India and Pakistan have worsened dramatically after the tragic Pahalgam attack, which Indian officials attributed to Pakistan-based terror outfits. Following the attack, India launched swift counter-operations and tightened its military and diplomatic stance against Pakistan.
Now, the sudden water release adds a new dimension to the ongoing crisis. In PoK, many locals fear that future unannounced discharges could result in catastrophic flooding, leading to massive displacement and destruction.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has called on the international community, particularly the United Nations and World Bank, to take note of India’s “aggressive tactics” and intervene to ensure the protection of civilian lives in disputed territories.
Humanitarian Impact and Future Outlook
Beyond politics, the humanitarian impact is already being felt. Displaced families are seeking shelter in temporary camps set up by local authorities, but resources are scarce. With the monsoon season approaching, any further manipulation of river waters could lead to devastating consequences on both sides of the border.
Environmentalists warn that tampering with natural water flows can have far-reaching ecological effects, worsening climate vulnerabilities in the region already prone to flash floods and landslides.
Meanwhile, strategic experts note that this incident, coupled with the volatile atmosphere post-Pahalgam attack, may be a prelude to a new phase of hybrid conflict between India and Pakistan, where resources like water could be used as political weapons.
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