SRINAGAR, June 21 -- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today opposed any diversion of surplus water from three western rivers, Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, to Punjab through a proposed 113 km-long canal.

"I will never permit this. Let us use our water for ourselves first. There is a drought-like situation in Jammu," Abdullah said.

"As per the Indus Water treaty (IWT), three rivers were given to Punjab, and we weren't given a drop of water by them when we needed it the most. We have got some water after putting up a fight through the Shahpur Kandi barrage project, but now I will not allow diverting the water of Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab."

He said that at present, Jammu requires water as the taps are running dry.

"My priority will be to prov...