New Delhi
Pakistan raised objections to the designs of Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai hydropower plants in Jammu and Kashmir and sought more information on the projects in Ladakh sanctioned after the abrogation of Article 370 as the Indus Commissioners of the two countries met here on Tuesday, sources said. On its part, India justified its stand on the designs.
The Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project (1,000 MW) is proposed on the Marusudar river, a tributary of the Chenab river, in Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir. The Lower Kalnai project is proposed in Kishtwar and Doda districts. The two sides also discussed a host of other issues under the Indus Waters Treaty during the annual Permanent Indus Commission meeting.
The 2-day meet, which started on Tuesday is taking place after a gap of over 2 years. The last meet took place in Lahore in August 2018. The Indian delegation was led by PK Saxena, India’s Indus Commissioner, and his team from the Central Water Commission, the Central Electricity Authority and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation. The Pakistani delegation was led by its Indus Commissioner Syed Muhammad Meher Ali Shah. The delegation arrived here on Monday evening.
Ready to back peace initiatives: Hurriyat
Srinagar: The moderate Hurriyat Conference faction led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said it is ready to support initiatives between India and Pakistan aim at bringing peace in the subcontinent. The Hurriyat faction said the pact between India and Pak to adhere to a ceasefire pact on the LoC and subsequent statements and actions by them indicate a positive shift in the ties between the neighbours. “The Hurriyat always was and is ready to extend full support to all initiatives between the two countries that aim at bringing peace and prosperity to all the people of the subcontinent and seek a fair and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
