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Intensifying Water Dispute

The ongoing water-sharing conflict between Punjab and Haryana has recently intensified. The Punjab government has halted the flow of water from the Bhakra Dam to Haryana, which may lead to potential contempt notices from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This situation highlights the long-standing tensions regarding water resources in the region. Haryana's minister, Anil Vij, remarked that this is a time for unity, urging everyone to set aside differences during such critical times. He emphasized that Punjab, being a border state, should not raise issues that could disrupt national unity, which is detrimental to the country.

Political Reactions and Historical Context

Anil Vij further stated that when the Aam Aadmi Party was in power in Delhi, they never restricted water flow, and now they seem to want to take revenge for their defeat in Delhi by cutting off water supplies. He insisted that Punjab has a tradition of quenching everyone's thirst and should not stop providing drinking water. Vij criticized former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, claiming that no leader has caused as much damage to the nation as she did, referencing the 1971 war and the significant number of prisoners of war at that time. He suggested that had conditions been set for the return of prisoners in exchange for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), it could have changed the course of history.

Legal Actions and Current Developments

In response to the alleged deployment of Punjab police at the Bhakra Dam site, a petition was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Saturday, claiming that Punjab is obstructing the release of water to Haryana. Following the recent escalation in the water-sharing dispute, this legal action was taken. The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government has refused to supply additional water to the BJP-led Haryana, asserting that the neighboring state has already utilized 103 percent of its allocated water by March. According to the petition filed by advocate Ravinder Singh Dhul, the Punjab government has violated constitutional duties by unlawfully deploying police at the BBMB Bhakra headworks and Lohand Khad escape channel.

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