‘Why Should India Offer Water To Those Who Kill & Maim Our Citizens?’

Palak, a student from Patna pursuing Masters in Journalism from Sharda University, says India should have suspended Indus Water Treaty earlier. Her views:

As a regular college-going girl, I don’t claim to be an expert in international relations or defence strategies. But I do know one thing: when someone keeps hurting you over and over, and you keep helping them in return, it’s not kindness — it is weakness. And that’s exactly how I feel about the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan.

The treaty was signed way back in 1960. It gave India the rights to the eastern rivers — Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi — and Pakistan was assigned to use the waters of the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. Even though more than 80% of the water flows to Pakistan, India never broke the deal, not even during several wars or consistent terror attacks on its soil. We stuck to it faithfully for over 60 years.

And, pray, what did we get in return?

Time and again, Pakistan has harboured terrorism, sheltered those who have harmed us, and done everything possible to subvert peace in our country. Our soldiers have been attacked, our borders violated, and instead of standing up against such violence, their government — and even their citizens — chose to look the other way. Is that neighbourly behaviour?

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Now imagine this — we are literally giving water every single day to a country which trains terrorists to cross into our land and kill or maim our people. This water helps their crops grow, supports their economy, and strengthens a nation that does nothing but provoke us. Why should we continue to do that?

Some people say it’s unfair to punish the common citizens of Pakistan. But I want to ask — when have their “common citizens” stood up for our civilians or soldiers? Did they ever raise their voice after Pulwama or Uri attacks? If their silence doesn’t hurt them, why should our silence continue to cost us?

It’s time India stops being soft. We need to be smart now. Suspending the Indus Water Treaty is not an act of cruelty — it’s a wake-up call. It tells the world that India values peace, but not at the cost of its self-respect or innocent lives.

Water is life — yes. But water can also be power. And if we keep letting that power flow freely to someone who uses it against us, we are betraying our own people. No?

As a student, I’m proud of my country. But I also want to see my country stand strong, take bold steps, and stop being taken for granted. We’ve waited long enough. We’ve hoped for peace long enough. But hope without action is just helplessness.

This decision isn’t about revenge. It’s about respect.

India isn’t turning cruel. We’re just finally turning clear!

told to Deepti Sharma