India, Feb. 6 -- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday responded sharply to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's remarks that Kashmir is Pakistan's "jugular vein" and will eventually become part of the country.

Abdullah, leader of the National Conference, quipped, "We will be part of them? They can't even handle what they already have. What will they do with us?"

India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir "was, is, and shall forever remain" an integral part of the country, with Home Minister Amit Shah reiterating that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir belongs to India.

Indus Water Treaty update

On a separate note, Abdullah addressed the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), saying that while the treaty remains in abey...