Farmer leader Naresh Tikait has expressed his strong disapproval over India's decision to withdraw from the Indus Water Treaty, calling it a "wrong decision" that goes against the interests of farmers.

"This is a wrong decision. The treaty should have continued. We are against this. We are farmers and every farmer needs water," said Tikait, the President of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU), in a statement to news agency ANI.

Tikait's comments have sparked a fresh debate, coming shortly after India's announcement to suspend the treaty in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives. The controversial decision has drawn a range of responses, with several BJP leaders and farmer groups accusing Tikait of aligning himself with Pakistan's interests.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan hit back at Tikait's remarks, saying, "Few people, continuing their opposition to the government, have started opposing the country. Those who are responsible for killing innocents, we will not give water to them."