Indus Water Treaty: ‘Neutral Experts' with India, Pak delegation visiting J&K
Sunil Dutt
Jammu Tawi:
What can be marked as a significant step in breaking ice in the diplomatic and bi-lateral relations between India-Pakistan by a forthcoming delegation visit of ‘Neutral Experts' from India and Pakistan, on the issues of Indus Water Treaty (IWT) and other cross border issues that may open up some channel for fostering a cooperative environment in the region.
In anticipation of a high-profile visit by Neutral Experts and delegations from India and Pakistan to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the government has appointed 50 officials as Liaison Officers. This move, formalized under Government Order No. 1242-JK (GAD) of 2024, dated June 14, 2024, aims to ensure seamless coordination and facilitation during the visit, scheduled from June 17 to June 28, 2024.
The officials appointed are primarily from the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS). Their primary role will be to support the delegations' activities, enhancing cooperation and addressing cross-border issues. The General Administration Department (GAD) issued the directive, which includes the names and current postings of the officers selected for this critical task.
For the Jammu region, 25 officials have been assigned as liaison officers. Notable appointments include Sunil Sharma, Under Secretary to the Government in the Agriculture Production Department; Samrinder Singh, Under Secretary in the Power Development Department; and Raman Sharma, Under Secretary in the Transport Department. The list continues with various under secretaries from departments such as Revenue, Finance, Social Welfare, and Jal Shakti. Among the appointees are Rajinder Singh from the J&K Government Grievance Cell and Sanjeev Kumar Gupta from the Industries & Commerce Department.
Similarly, 25 officials have been designated for the Srinagar region. Prominent among them are Naveed Hussain Badoo, Under Secretary in the J&K Services Selection Board; Dr. Farukh Nasir Paul, Under Secretary to the Government in Industries and Commerce; and Tahir Mohiuddin Wani, State Taxes Officer, Circle (Q), Srinagar. Additional appointments include officials from the Departments of Health & Medical Education, Labour and Employment, Rural Development, and Hospitality & Protocol.
The appointed officers are instructed to report to the Managing Director of the Jammu & Kashmir Power Development Corporation in Jammu/Srinagar for a briefing on their duties and responsibilities on June 15, 2024. This preparation is aimed at ensuring a smooth and efficient visit by the delegations, underscoring the strategic importance of this engagement for the region.
It is learned that the visit, starting from June 17 to 28, pertains to the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), enhance cooperation and address cross-border issues. The role of the Liaison Officers will be pivotal in managing logistics, coordination, and communication between the delegations and the local administration.
Notably, the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, arranged and negotiated by the World Bank, to use the water available in the Indus River and its tributaries.
