Hard decisions inevitable: PM

By Mahesh Vijapurkar

MUMBAI, OCT. 13. On completion of one year in office, the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, today proclaimed that the fight against terrorism would continue ``till the terrorist's gun falls silent''; and indicated that some hard decisions on the economic front were inevitable.

Mr. Vajpayee said the country's voice was heard with ``recognition and respect'' as an ``emerging global player'' the world over and that the economy was growing steadily even as roadblocks to reforms were being removed; and an ``ambitious target was doubling the per capita income in 10 years''.

He listed the advances made in the past and said the situation in the Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir ``was improving steadily'' and ``would improve further in the coming months''. The ``circle of international support for our stand on Kashmir is expanding rapidly. Our fight against terrorism continues - and shall continue - till the terrorist's gun falls silent.'' Without referring to the rollback demand on oil prices, the Prime Minister said the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance Government required to take some hard decisions which included passing on the burden of increased petroleum product prices to consumers; the haves need to bear the burden of the have-nots during this ``transition''.

Hard decisions were necessitated in the ``long-term interests of the nation,'' given the ``unprecedented increase in global oil prices''. These ``challenges have to be faced collectively'' by the people because the reform process and economic decisions were aimed only at ``creating employment for all and to bring the fruits of prosperity for all, especially those deprived of it''.

The Prime Minister's statement was issued from the Breach Candy hospital where he his recuperating following an operation on Tuesday to replace his left knee. He has begun to walk a little within the hospital room and is making steady progress, according to doctors attending on Mr. Vajpayee.

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