SRINAGAR: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday condemned the April 22 Pahalgam attack, saying it has severely impacted Kashmir’s tourism and demanded strict action against those responsible.
Speaking to the media in Srinagar, Owaisi said, “The attack has hurt the tourism sector. We want decisive action against the perpetrators. This was also raised in the all-party meeting.”
Describing the incident as “cowardly”, he said tourists were reportedly targeted based on religion, which he termed painful and unacceptable. “They were separated and asked about their faith. Those who could not recite the Kalma were killed. I have opposed such attacks and will continue to do so,” he added.
On India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, Owaisi said the treaty allows for arbitration and the appointment of a neutral expert. “Let’s wait and see what follows,” he said.
India suspended the treaty and tightened control over Chenab River water following the attack that killed 26 tourists. Reports say Pakistan recorded a sharp drop in river flow at Marala headworks—from 35,000 to 3,100 cusecs—after India closed gates at the Baglihar and Salal dams.
Pakistan’s Punjab irrigation officials and the Indus River System Authority have expressed concern, warning of further stress on Kharif crops already facing a 21% shortfall.
