• By Aditya Jha
  • Sun, 27 Apr 2025 09:48 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Pakistan on Saturday accused India of suddenly releasing water into the Jhelum River without any prior information, leading to a flood-like situation in PoK's Muzaffarabad region. The Pakistani authorities stated that the water was released from the Uri dam, leading to a surge in water level in the Hattian Bala district, leading to panic among the local residents, forcing them to flee to higher regions. Pakistan has accused India of breaking several international laws, adding that the alleged step has violated the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT); however, India suspended the IWT on April 23, accusing Pakistan of plotting the Pahalgam terror attacks in which 26 people were killed.

Several reports suggest that the authorities advised the residents of the region nearby Muzaffarabad to move to higher regions. The locals stated that the water was released suddenly without any information, leading to the panic.

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The reports suggest that the residents of several regions, including Chakothi, Muzaffarabad, Hattian Bala, Ghari Dupatta, and Majhoi, were asked to follow the guidelines to avoid any inconveniences. The report further suggested that the flood-warning announcements were made from the mosques of these regions. 

"The warning announcements have created panic among the residents living near the riverbanks," one of the Pak citizens was quoted as saying by the news agency IANS. “We had no warning. The water came rushing in, and we’re struggling to protect lives and property,” another one added. While there is no official statement over the issue yet, the reports suggest that the district authorities in Muzaffarabad advised the residents to stay alert.

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The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, has long been a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, and the recent decision marks a significant shift in diplomatic ties. This suspension will remain in effect until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.