National Conference meeting to take stock of Kashmir situation

The core group of the ruling National Conference is meeting here today to discuss the deteriorating law and order situation in the Kashmir Valley and the Centre putting off a decision on partial withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

The meeting of the core group is scheduled to be held in the afternoon. Party president Farooq Abdullah is also expected to arrive in the summer capital soon, party sources said.

They said the core group, which was formed in July in the wake of the the ongoing unrest and for strengthening the party, will discuss the law and order situation in the Valley especially yesterday's incidents of violence and arson that left 17 people dead and 70 others injured.

The core group is also likely to deliberate on the Centre's decision to defer the much expected withdrawal of AFSPA from few districts of the state and suggest the party's next course of action.

The cabinet committee on Security, which met in New Delhi yesterday decided to call an all-party meeting before taking a decision on the AFSPA.

Kashmir Valley has been rocked by violent protests since June 11 following killing of a 17-year-old boy in Rajouri Kadal area of the city.

The cycle of violent protests and subsequent security forces firing has left 88 persons dead and more than a thousand injured.