Kashmir decision after Wednesday's all-party meet, says Antony

A decision on Kashmir will be taken by the centre after Wednesday's all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister A K Antony said on Tuesday.

"Important decisions have to be taken after carefully assessing all aspects. The Cabinet Committee on Security had a very long meeting on Monday. 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. Tomorrow is the all-party meeting. After that, we will take a decision," Antony 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 yesterday's violence in the Valley after reports of desecration of Quran, Antony said, "we are pained about developments yesterday. As we all know, the situation is very serious. We have to handle the situation carefully." He appealed to all sides to show restraint.