Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti Clash Over Tulbul Navigation Project Amid IWT Suspension

A heated exchange erupted between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti over the revival of the Tulbul Navigation Barrage project on Wullar Lake. Abdullah questioned whether work on the project could resume following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), while Mufti criticized his remarks as “irresponsible” and “dangerously provocative”.

The controversy began when Abdullah posted a video on X showcasing the abandoned Tulbul Navigation Barrage, which was halted in the 1980s due to objections from Pakistan under the IWT. With the treaty now temporarily suspended, Abdullah speculated whether the project could be resumed, emphasizing its potential benefits for navigation on the Jhelum River and improved power generation during winter.

Mufti swiftly responded, condemning Abdullah’s remarks as reckless, especially given the recent tensions between India and Pakistan. She argued that weaponizing water resources could escalate international disputes and urged leaders to prioritize peace over political rhetoric.

Abdullah, in turn, accused Mufti of attempting to appease external forces and failing to recognize the historical injustice of the IWT, which he described as a betrayal of Jammu and Kashmir’s interests. He reiterated his long-standing opposition to the treaty and defended his stance on reviving the Tulbul project.

The debate has reignited discussions on water rights and regional stability, with political observers closely watching how the issue unfolds amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan.