A decision on Kashmir will be taken by the Centre after Wednesday's all-party meeting convened by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, the defence minister, Mr A.K. Antony, said on Tuesday. "Important decisions have to be taken after carefully assessing all aspects. On Monday Cabinet Community on Security 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," he told reporters. "Don't worry, we will take a decision. Wednesday is the all-party meeting. After that, we will take a decision," the minister said when asked why the
CCS was unable to take a decision yesterday on issues, including withdrawal of Armed
Forces (Special Powers) Act from some parts of Jammu and Kashmir. About Monday's
violence in the Valley after reports of desecration of Quran, Mr Antony said, "we are pained about developments on Monday. As we all know, the situation is very serious. We have to handle the situation carefully." He appealed to all sides to show restraint.