“Does the Power We Generate Even Belong to Us?” Mehbooba Mufti Challenges CM Omar’s Indus Water Treaty Remarks

Srinagar, Nov 13 :Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has expressed deep concerns over recent remarks made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the impact of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) on Jammu and Kashmir’s power generation capabilities.

In response to Abdullah’s statement about the treaty posing challenges to the state’s energy potential, Mufti posed a pointed question: “Instead of focusing solely on the Indus Water Treaty as an obstacle, I want to ask Omar Abdullah—does the power that is already being generated truly belong to us?”

Mufti highlighted that while Jammu and Kashmir produces substantial amounts of electricity, a significant portion of it is under the control of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). This arrangement has led to a paradox where electricity generated within the region is sold back to its residents, perpetuating an energy deficit despite the state’s abundance of natural resources.

She criticized past decisions by J&K’s leadership to transfer key power projects to NHPC, arguing that these moves stripped the region of its energy autonomy.

Mufti referenced the PDP-BJP Agenda of Alliance, which included commitments to return at least two major power projects to J&K, urging the central government to fulfill these promises to restore energy independence to the state.

Moreover, Mufti cautioned against revisiting contentious issues such as the Indus Water Treaty, warning that it would exacerbate J&K’s existing challenges without impacting other states.

“Jammu and Kashmir has already endured enough,” she emphasized, calling for the central government to prioritize the restoration of J&K’s control over its energy resources and address the long-standing issue of energy inequity. (KNS)