CCS meet to discuss withdrawal of AFSPA in Kashmir

NEW DELHI - The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) will meet here on Monday to discuss the withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from parts of Kashmir Valley.

This would be the third CCS meet on the Kashmir situation since the stone-pelting violence erupted in the Valley on June 11.

The CCS comprises of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister P. Chidambaram, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister A.K. Antony denied reports of differences of opinion in the cabinet on tackling the 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.

Earlier, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hardened its stand on the Kashmir situation by warning the government against withdrawing the AFSPA from some districts.

‘Any such move will demoralise the security forces deployed in the state,’ said party spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad.

“The BJP would always oppose any dilution of the authority of the security forces, armed forces who are fighting with their lives to secure Kashmir against the separatist and elements supported from across the border,” he added.

Condemning the violence in the Valley, he said: “The real face of the Hurriyat and the separatists has been masked. It started with stone throwing, and now, there is open arson of public property, including government offices. The BJP condemns it out rightly.”

Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Kashmir problem requires a unique solution, as the accession of the State with India was in different and unique circumstances than that of other States of the country.

“We are trying that all issues be resolved through dialogue. Centre has also brought this on record-both in the Parliament and outside it that dialogue should be initiated in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir requires a unique solution as the accession of Jammu and Kashmir with rest of the country was in extremely unique circumstances,” said Abdullah.

When asked about his recent statement on revocation of AFSPA, Abdullah said: “I have not said any such thing. I have said we are thinking on it and we are discussing the issue with Centre. We have got two options with us.

“First is that the harsh side of AFSPA be subdued. Second option with us is that where there is hardly any impact of militancy and where the role of Army is not required from those areas AFSPA can be removed in a phased manner. For which we are working for identifying some districts of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added. (ANI)