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Pakistan-India water conflict almost resolved

By Iftikhar Gilani

NEW DELHI: Indian and Pakistani officials on Tuesday claimed to have resolved differences over the controversial Baglihar dam after the conclusion of two-day talks and said that the matter would be sent to their governments.

“We have discussed all issues with an open mind and taken them close to a point of resolution. We will now be reporting to our respective governments,” said Indian Water Resources Secretary VK Duggal without elaborating. Mr Duggal’s Pakistani counterpart Ashfaq Mehmood echoed his view. “We have covered sufficient ground and it is now for the governments to move further,” said Mr Mehmood. “The issues are now almost resolved. It is going to be a win-win situation,” he added.

Sources told Daily Times that talks were inconclusive despite claims to the contrary by the two governments. They said both sides had refused to budge from their positions. “Pakistan demanded India halt work on the 450 megawatt dam project, while India was adamant that it was not a violation of the Indus Water Treaty,” sources said.

Sources said that the matter was sent to the governments because both sides wanted to continue the spirit of friendship and avoid sending negative signals. An Indian government source said the statement had provided a way out and left it to the heads of the two governments and ministers to take a decision.”

Mr Duggal said the issues were highly technical and tricky and both sides had discussed them in a friendly atmosphere. Mr Duggal said that were some broad agreements on how the matter could be resolved but he would not give details.

“There were various technical concerns from both sides. First step was to understand them mutually. That has been done. Now the next step is how to resolve them,” Mr Duggal said.

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