Islamabad, April 27 (HS): On Saturday afternoon, an unexpected rise in the Jhelum River’s water level in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), caused significant concern among local residents and authorities. They allege that India released water into the river without prior notification, suggesting it may be a deliberate maneuver to undermine the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) amidst heightened tensions following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

Authorities in Muzaffarabad have issued warnings as residents from Chakothi to Muzaffarabad noted a rapid increase in water levels, raising fears of potential flooding. The local administration has declared a water emergency in Hattian Bala, prompting alerts for low-lying residents to evacuate immediately. This situation has sparked anxiety among those living along the riverbanks, with reports indicating that water from Anantnag, India, has flowed into the Chakothi region of PoK.

Experts, including political analyst Javed Siddiqui, express concern that India’s actions may further exacerbate tensions between the two nations. Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an impartial investigation into the Pahalgam incident, with countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia stepping in to mediate and help de-escalate the rising tensions.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar