SRINAGAR: India thwarted nearly 2 lakh cyberattacks targeting its power sector during Operation Sindoor last month, Union power minister Manohar Lal Khattar said Thursday in the first official govt confirmation of the scale of such onslaughts.“With the advancement of technology, cyberattacks and cybercrimes have increased significantly. A lot of progress has been made in countering them and our cybersecurity has virtually neutralised such threats,” Khattar said. He added that a power line in Uri hydel project had suffered damage due to Pakistani shelling but the link was promptly repaired.Khattar was speaking at a news conference in Srinagar, dwelling on a range of topics, from the Pahalgam attack and water treaties with Pakistan to a debate on ideal energy-saving AC temperatures.On Indus Waters Treaty, which the Centre has kept in abeyance, Khattar said the current situation allows India to move ahead with stalled power projects that previously required Pakistani consent. Asked about Pakistan’s warning of “dangerous consequences” if water flows in rivers under the treaty were altered, Khattar said: “Pakistan was already given a reply during Operation Sindoor. If needed, a stronger response will follow.”Under the treaty, India had to previously seek Pakistan’s approval before undertaking projects on Indus, Jhelum and Chenab. “Now, we don’t need it. We are restarting the Wullar Barrage project,” Khattar announced. The Centre had started the project in the 1980s to regulate water levels in Kashmir in winter, when river flows thin, but work was suspended in 1987 after Pakistan objected before Indus Waters Commission.On the April 22 Pahalgam attack, Khattar pointed out that while Pakistan had been supporting terrorists, the Centre was now resolute on not allowing terror. “Terrorism will definitely end. I would like to congratulate the people of J&K as they have stood together against terrorism,” he said.Asked about calls from CPI(M) for a dialogue with Pakistan, Khattar ruled out such moves. “Terror and talk will not go together. Terror and trade will not go together. Water and blood will not flow together,” Khattar said.The power minister then switched to the raging debate on AC temperatures. He justified his ministry’s plan to ensure AC temperatures are not reduced below 20 degrees Celsius, citing energy efficiency goals worldwide and medical opinion about 24 degrees being the ideal temperature.
