Monday, August 15 2005 11:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Asking the political system and leadership to show sagacity and foresight in building a "new India", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Aug 15, 2005), said there were "internal" hurdles to development as he unveiled a series of steps for employment generation and infrastructure development.

Without making any direct reference to stiff opposition from Left party allies, he said the "biggest challenge" in running a Government was to ensure that development programmes were implemented in an effective manner.

Addressing the nation on the 59th Independence Day from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort, Singh expressed Government's readiness to hold talks with "everyone" to deal with problems in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Our doors are always open and will continue to be open for anyone interested in dialogue. I invite everyone to join us to discuss the problems of the state of J and K so that its people can lead a life of peace and dignity," he said.

At the same time, the Prime Minister asserted that if violence continued in J and K, Government's response will be "hard".

Doing some plain-speaking, Singh made it clear that "half-hearted" efforts by Pakistan to check terrorist activities from its soil would not suffice and it had to "totally dismantle" the terror infrastructure in that country.

Singh, who has been under pressure from Left parties and other UPA (United Progressive Alliance) partners on economic policies and other key issues, said, "Our political system must show sagacity, wisdom and foresight so that we are able to make the best of this moment and make India a truly great nation".