The Indus Waters Treaty — once hailed as a rare example of cooperation between India and Pakistan — is now facing serious strain. India has suspended the regular exchange of water data under the treaty, a move that marks a major shift in its long-standing approach.
What Is the Indus Waters Treaty?
This treaty was brokered by the World Bank and signed by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan’s President Ayub Khan. It gave Pakistan control over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab), while India got the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej). Despite wars and tense relations, the treaty stood firm for decades — it was one of the few channels through which both countries kept talking.
But what pushed India to take this step now? The answer lies in a heartbreaking event that shook the nation.
A Horrifying Terror Attack in Pahalgam
In a horrifying act of terror, 26 tourists were killed and more than 20 others injured after militants opened fire in Baisaran, a beautiful meadow near Pahalgam in Kashmir. What should have been a peaceful holiday turned into a nightmare.
The victims — men, women, and children — were simply enjoying one of India’s most loved tourist spots when terror struck. This wasn’t just an attack on people; it was an attack on humanity. The entire country is mourning, and anger is boiling over.
The Pahalgam attack may be remembered as a turning point — not just in counter-terror policy, but in India’s overall stance toward long-standing agreements with Pakistan. Security, dignity, and justice for innocent lives lost now take priority.
Water is life. But when blood flows before it, the rules must change.
This is such a tragic incident. No one deserves to experience this kind of violence, especially in a place meant for peace and enjoyment. The victims were just innocent tourists seeking happiness. The world must stand together against such cowardly acts. Why do people resort to violence instead of seeking peaceful solutions?