JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday launched a monograph titled _Indus Water Treaty – Mirroring the Facts authored by senior journalist Sant Kumar Sharma, at a function held in Jammu. The book examines the historical background of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) and reflects on the decision taken by the Government of India to terminate the agreement following the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam.
Speaking at the event, Lieutenant Governor Sinha congratulated the author for presenting a timely and thoughtful analysis of one of the most debated water-sharing agreements between India and Pakistan. “This monograph brings out several historical dimensions of the treaty and offers insight into Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s decisive move to terminate the Indus Water Treaty in the aftermath of the heinous Pahalgam terror attack,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s stance, the Lieutenant Governor said, “India has made it clear that blood and water cannot flow together, terror and talks cannot go together, and terror and trade cannot happen together. The termination of the Indus Water Treaty is a befitting response to Pakistan and will have far-reaching consequences for a country that is dependent on the Indus river system.”
Describing the treaty signed in 1960 as a historical blunder, Sinha said the IWT was unfair and had long restricted Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure development, especially in the power and irrigation sectors. He said that by regaining full control over the waters of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, India is now positioned to harness the true hydroelectric and irrigation potential of Jammu and Kashmir. “Barren lands in Jammu will be irrigated, and the region will witness a new wave of infrastructure development,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that India will now create the necessary infrastructure, including power plants, diversions, and reservoirs, to utilise its water resources exclusively for the benefit of its own citizens. “India’s water will now flow within India and remain in India,” he said, asserting the Government of India’s renewed commitment to national interest.
During his address, the Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, and reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to support and compensate the affected families. “No family of a terror victim will be left behind. We are ensuring they receive employment, financial assistance, and justice. Encroached properties belonging to such victims will be vacated and returned to rightful heirs,” he said.
The book launch was attended by several dignitaries, including author Sant Kumar Sharma, Smt Anuradha Sharma, Shri Ashok Bhan, Member of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Prof BK Kuthiala, former Vice-Chancellor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, and Shri Zorawar Singh Jamwal, Chairman of Team Jammu. Senior officials, prominent literary figures, journalists, and members of the public were also present at the ceremony.
