By IANS
New Delhi : India and Pakistan Friday wrapped up two-day talks over a dam that India is constructing in Jammu and Kashmir and agreed to press for “an early and amicable resolution” of the issue for the socio-economic development of the peoples of the two countries.
The two sides held talks on issues relating to the Tulbul navigation project, which Pakistan calls the Wullar Barrage.
“The two sides emphasized the need for an early and amicable resolution of the issue in accordance with the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 for the socio-economic development of the peoples of the two countries,” said a joint statement after the talks held under the framework of the composite dialogue between the two neighbours.
“The secretaries agreed to hold discussions inc1uding at technical-level on mutually acceptable dates. Both sides looked forward to the next round of talks under the composite dialogue with a view to resolving the issue at an early date,” the statement said.
India’s Water Resources Secretary Gauri Chatterji held talks with Pakistan’s Water and Power Ministry Secretary Muhammed Ismael Qureshi on the issue.
Syed Jamaat Ali Shah, Pakistan commissioner for the Indus Water Treaty, was also part of his country’s delegation.
“The talks were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere. The two sides further discussed their respective positions on the project and had a better appreciation of each other’s views,” the statement said.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, it added.
India started work on the Tulbul project in 1984, but it had to stop midway in 1987 after Pakistan objected to the design of the dam and charged that the construction of the dam violated the Indus treaty.
Islamabad also contended that the design and structure of the dam, as envisaged by India, would deprive the country of its rightful share of water from the Jehlum river which flows across the border.
The two south Asian neighbours last held talks on the Tulbul project, which is aimed at improving navigation between Srinagar and Baramulla districts, in June, 2006, in Islamabad.