Police warn against crossing Chenab on foot in Jammu's Akhnoor sector

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday warned people against crossing the river Chenab — one of the fiver rivers of the Indus river system — on foot in Jammu's Akhnoor sector after the river recorded its lowest water discharge and attracted hundreds of villagers, some of whom were seen searching for gold and silver ornaments and coins.

The drop in water level was attributed to India restricting the river's flow through the Baglihar and Salal dams in Ramban and Reasi districts of J&K, officials said.

The Centre announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty — which has governed the use of the Indus river and its tributaries between India and Pakistan since 1960 — in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, allegedly perpetrated by an affiliate of the Pakistan-backed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, in which 26 unarmed Indians, mostly tourists, lost their lives.

After conducting a desilting operation last week, the gates of the Baglihar and Salal dams were closed on Monday to refill the reservoirs, leading to a considerable drop in the Chenab downstream, especially in the Akhnoor sector.

The reduced flow led to hundreds of people thronging the river to record videos while crossing the Chenab on foot at many places. Several curious locals also started looking for gold and silver ornaments and coins in the river's ankle-deep water.

Sensing danger, police parties led by officers fanned out to clear the crowds as the water level started rising again late in the afternoon.

Police personnel were seen using the public address system, warning people against crossing the river on foot. "There has been rain in the catchment area and a sudden water-level increase is expected," a police officer said, requesting the people to clear out.

Local villagers said they had never witnessed the water flow decline to such a level.

"The treaty's suspension allowed the government to initiate this flood-and-drought-like cycle to teach Pakistan a lesson. They should know that they cannot run away after murdering innocents every time," said a local, Ankur Sharma.

With PTI inputs