Indo-Pak Tensions: A sudden increase in the level of the Jhelum River has generated panic across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The PoK local administration accused India of discharging water from the Uri Dam without an early warning on Saturday, declaring a water emergency in Hattian Bala district. The move has put further strain on the relations between the two nuclear neighbors, with Pakistan accusing it as a global standards and Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) breach.

PoK Water Emergency

Sudden outflow of water from the Uri Dam led to a sudden increase in Jhelum River’s water level instantly, making it necessary for people residing on riverbanks to relocate to higher grounds. Hattian Bala authorities issued warnings strictly and instructed people to evacuate homes and avoid riverbanks. The relief camps have been organized as temporary abodes for displaced households, and rescue teams fought with all possible effort to ensure that the lives of people were protected.

There has been sudden flooding reported as causing damage to crops and livestock, and the cumulative losses have to be put on record. Indus Waters Treaty and Rising Tensions. The episode has revived furor around the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 World Bank-facilitated accord to manage river water distribution between India and Pakistan.

Indus Waters Treaty

Pakistani officials have termed the sudden release of water as “water terrorism” and accused India of a breach of the treaty terms, which call for advance notice of such action. India, however, suspended the IWT on April 23 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Indian authorities have been keeping mum on the recent release of water, which has also generated more tensions.

Also Read: Indian Government Blocks 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels After Pahalgam Attack

Rising Tensions

The floods in the Jhelum River have not only caused havoc in PoK but also escalated the level of political tensions between India and Pakistan. Although the immediate attention is on keeping the residents trapped in the calamity safe, the incident highlights the tenuous nature of water-sharing arrangements and the larger problems in India-Pakistan relations. Through this crisis, both countries should realize the need for cooperation and diplomacy to prevent further worsening of the situation.

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