Ahead of a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security , Defence Minister A K Antony has ruled out any difference of opinion on Kashmir issue. He was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function at Thiruvanathapuram. Regarding Armed Forces Special Powers Act, AFSPA, in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, there may be various points of view, but ultimately, the Government's decision is final. He was asked to comment on reported differences between the Home and Defence ministries on AFSPA in Kashmir.<br/> <br/>Describing the reports about differences in cabinet as imaginary, Mr. Antony said, continuing tension in Kashmir is causing concern to all and the CSS will discuss the situation in Kashmir seriously.<br/><br/>The Congress Core Group, which met on Friday in New Delhi, also discussed the Kashmir issue. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been pressing the Centre to withdraw the AFSPA from some areas of the state and announce some political initiatives.<br/> <br/>Meanwhile, BJP today demanded the removal of J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging his government has completely collapsed. It also warned that any dilution of Armed Forces Special Powers Act would only allow the separatists and miscreants to call the shots. Top BJP leaders, who met at L K Advani's residence in the capital said, it is time Mr Abdullah is replaced by a more acceptable person.<br/><br/>On the other hand, CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta said AFSPA should be modified or withdrawn so that the people of Kashmir can feel that government is conceding to their demands. Earlier, CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat has also demanded a political initiative and dialogue with all sections in Jammu and Kashmir to restore normalcy in the state.<br/><br/>In Jammu and Kashmir, police fired in air and lobbed tear gas shells after a mob attacked the ancestral house of State Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed in Anantnag district today. A police spokesman said, a mob resorted to heavy stone pelting on the house of Sayeed at Damhal-Khushipora in Kokernag area, 55 kms from Srinagar. The Minister, who had gone to his native place to celebrate Eid and was present in the house along with his family, escaped unhurt. Official sources said, police also fired several rounds in air to control the situation as the protesters tried to storm the house of the Congress leader. Local Congress workers owing allegiance to Sayeed had yesterday staged protests against frequent strikes called by the separatist leaders.<br/> <br/>Indefinite curfew is now on in Srinagar and seven other main towns of Anantnag, Bijbehera, Pulwama, Pampore, Baramula, Sopore and Bandipora. Curfew was imposed yet again after yesterday's violent protests and clashes in which several government buildings were set ablaze. <br/>
News On AIR | September 12, 2010 8:57 PM
Defence Minister asserts there is no difference of opinion in Cabinet on Kashmir issue