Shimla: Governor Kavinder Gupta has said that water from India’s rivers should first be used to fulfil the needs of Indian states, including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, before any thought is given to supplying it to Pakistan.
Speaking informally with journalists at Lok Bhavan on Monday, the Governor said that the country now has a strong government and there would be no unnecessary concessions. He remarked that Pakistan had been given many facilities in the past despite not being entitled to them.
Gupta said that whenever Pakistan had acted provocatively, India had responded firmly. He added that the country’s security forces are fully prepared to give a fitting reply to any hostile act. Referring to the time of Independence in 1947, he said that several mistakes were either made or allowed to happen during that period.
According to the Governor, Pakistan was once a part of India, but after becoming a separate nation, it promoted terrorism and adopted an anti-India stance. He said India had always extended a hand of friendship to its neighbour, but Pakistan repeatedly betrayed that trust.
Citing incidents from Kargil to Pathankot and Pulwama, Gupta said Pakistan’s alleged conspiracies are well known. He stated that India’s policy is now clear: dialogue is possible if Pakistan changes its behaviour, otherwise it will face a response. He added that facilities for Pakistan can only be considered when it abandons such activities.
Why Did the Water Issue Come Up?
The Governor’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty, under which water from three western rivers flowing from India to Pakistan—Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi—has remained a subject of debate for years.
Farmers in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab have often complained that canals run dry during the summer months, while treaty-related restrictions prevent India from fully utilising its share of water. The Governor’s latest comments are being viewed in this context.
Referring again to the Partition of 1947, Gupta said there were several lapses in the division of water and land at the time. He claimed that Pakistan received many benefits without conditions and that the country continues to face the consequences of those decisions.
“The times have changed now,” he said, adding that the nation’s first priority should be its own farmers, villages and cities.
