New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Defence Minister A.K. Antony Tuesday said the government will take a final decision on a Kashmir package, including withdrawal of the contentious Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), at an all-party meeting called Wednesday.
"Before we take a final decision, it is better to involve everyone," Antony told reporters a day after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met to review the situation in violence-hit Kashmir, including lifting of the AFSPA from parts of the state.
Asked why the CCS was not able to take a decision on a Kashmir package, especially AFSPA, despite a three-hour-long meeting, he said: "Important decisions have to be taken after carefully assessing all aspects."
"Yesterday we had a very long meeting. Ultimately, we thought before we take a final decision, we will take into confidence all the major parties so that everybody is involved," the defence minister told reporters after dedicating to the nation the AFNET (Air Force Network), the Indian Air Force's (IAF) high-speed digital connectivity network.
"Don't worry, we will take a decision. Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the all-party meeting. After that, we will take a decision," he added when reporters continued to ask him about withdrawing the act from some areas of Kashmir Valley. The CCS meeting was held in the wake of widespread violence in the Valley that has seen the deaths of 88 civilians in retaliatory firing by security forces during street clashes since June 11.
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has become a political hot potato with the ruling National Conference, the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the separatists demanding its lifting in Kashmir valley, but the armed forces opposing the move.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also vehemently opposed its withdrawal, saying the move will demoralise the security forces deployed in the state.
The AFSPA gives army officers legal immunity for their actions. There can be no prosecution, suit or any other legal proceeding against any officer acting under the act. Nor is the government's judgement on why an area is found to be "disturbed" subject to judicial review.
Antony also appealed to all groups to "keep out irresponsible elements". At least 16 people lost their lives on Monday during protests initially triggered by reports of the Quran having been desecrated in the US.
The Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik Tuesday voiced his unwillingness on withdrawal of the act in Kashmir, saying that soldiers need legal protection.
"Soldiers while involved in performing their duty need legal protection if you want them to be efficient," he said.
Naik expressed confidence that the government's decision on the issue would be right.
"I think the government is fully sensitive to the issue and they will take the correct decision," he added.