Final decision on Kashmir Valley after all-party meet, says Antony

New Delhi, Sep 14 (ANI): Defence Minister A K Antony on Tuesday said that a decision on Kashmir Valley will be taken by the Centre after Wednesday's all-party meet convened by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

"Important decisions have to be taken after carefully assessing all aspects," he told reporters here.

"Tomorrow is the all-party meeting. After that, we will take a decision," the Minister said when asked why the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) was unable to take a decision yesterday on issues of withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from some parts of the Valley.

Antony also appealed to all sides to show restraint.

Earlier, he denied reports of differences of opinion in the cabinet on tackling violence in the Valley.

"There may be different views on a topic. But, once a decision is arrived at, then there would be no difference of opinion. I am not interested in starting a debate on this," he said.

"The frequent clashes in Kashmir are a cause of concern to all," he added.

On Monday, the Cabinet Committee on Security could not take any decision on Kashmir situation.

Presided over by Dr. Manmohan Singh, the CCS meet lasted for three hours during which the issue of turbulent situation in Kashmir, AFSPA, and a package for Jammu and Kashmir were discussed at length.

The pros and cons of a phased withdrawal of the AFSPA from some areas in the border state as part of the package were also considered.

The meeting was held in the wake of violence and rising death toll in the valley. The total death toll in last three months being 75.

The cycle of violence has led to frequent shutdowns and curfew in the Valley for the past three months. (ANI)