New Delhi, February 21: As clamour grows for revenge against Pakistan, charged of facilitating the fatal terror strike in Pulwama, Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari has come up with an effective mode of retaliation. At a public event on Thursday, Gadkari pitched for diversion of 3 outflowing rivers into Yamuna.

Three major rivers - Indus, Jhelum and Chenab - which originate in India and end up flowing across the border - play a crucial role in addressing the drinking water needs of Pakistan. Recently, Islamabad had also approached the UN and the World Bank against the construction of dams by India to retain a portion of the outflowing Indus water. 'If India Opens War Front, Pakistan Will Retaliate', Says Imran Khan.

"The water of three rivers given to Pakistan will be diverted to revive Yamuna," Gadkari said in Haridwar, where he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for National Highway and Namami Gange works amounting to Rs 5,894 crore.

Notably, the government has already dealt a major blow to Pakistan by revoking the 'Most Favoured Nation (MFN)' status on February 15 -- a day after the strike in Pulwama. The revocation has led to a 200 per cent upsurge in duties levied on goods imported from the neighbouring nation.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also given a free-hand to the forces to undertake appropriate military action to "punish the perpetrators of the heinous terror attack".

Days after India's strong reaction, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a statement, asking New Delhi to share "actionable intelligence" to prove the involvement of a Pakistani national. "This is a new Pakistan. We are ready for a probe," he said, appealing the Indian government to call a dialogue. He, however, warned a stiff retaliation if Indian forces launch an attack to avenge the Pulwama strike.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 21, 2019 02:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).