Omar, Mehbooba engage in war of words over Tulbul Project, Indus Treaty

A fierce war of words erupted between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti over the revival of the long-stalled Tulbul Navigation Project in North Kashmir, amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

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The controversy erupted after Omar on Thursday suggested that the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) could pave the way for the resumption of the Tulbul Navigation Barrage in the Wullar lake in north Kashmir, which was abandoned in the 1980s following Pakistan's objections.

He argued that the project would not only revive navigation on the Jhelum river but also boost power generation during lean winter months.

However, Mehbooba Mufti lashed out at Omar, accusing him of making “irresponsible and provocative” statements at a time when Jammu and Kashmir has suffered the most from the recent hostilities between India and Pakistan.