CCS mum on AFSPA, decides to call all-party meeting

New Delhi, Sep 13 (PTI) As Kashmir witnessed a sudden
flare-up in violence, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
Monday put off any decision on contentious issues like Armed
Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and called an all-party
meeting on Wednesday to discuss the volatile situation.
The CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh, expressed distress over the "turn of events" in the
valley since Saturday and signalled its intention to restart
dialogue with all sections of the state, saying it is the only
way forward to find an "honourable and lasting solution".
The CCS appealed to the people of Kashmir, especially
the youth, to refrain from violent protests as it expressed
grief over the loss of lives in the three-month-long unrest.
An official statement issued after the three-hour long
meeting, however, made no mention to the AFSPA.
The CCS meeting had set off speculation that the
government could consider partial withdrawal of the AFSPA as
demanded by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
"The UPA government has always held the belief that
dialogue and discussion is the only way forward to find an
honourable and lasting solution," a statement issued after the
marathon three-hour-long meeting said.
"The CCS reiterates government's intention to restart
the process of dialogue with different sections of the people
of Jammu and Kashmir. Towards this end, the CCS has decided to
convene a meeting of all political parties at New Delhi on
Wednesday... and elicit their views on the way forward," it
said.
Hours before the meeting, the Prime Minister voiced
concern over the unrest in the valley and sought to reach out
to the people there, saying their "grievances" have to be
addressed.
He promised talks within the Indian Constitution with
those who abjure violence.
Singh emphasised the need for better delivery of
services and generating avenues for economic advancement of
the people of the state. (MORE) PTI ACB
RDM


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