'If 'jihad' is a sure shot way to 'jannat', why separatists keep their kids in safe heavens'

MoS in PMO Jitendra Singh on Wednesday attacked Kashmiri separatists for misleading the youth to lay down their lives in the name of jihad.

New Delhi: Lambasting Kashmiri separatist leaders for misleading the youth to lay down their lives in the name of jihad, Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said that why don't they ask their children to lay down their lives for this holy cause.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, MoS Jitendra Singh said, ''If jihad is so sacred and guarantees a place in 'jannat' then why the separatists keep their kids in safe heavens.''

Rejecting the popular perception that the Kashmiri youth is misguided and harbours anti-India sentiments, Singh said, ''The youth of Kashmir wants to be the beneficiary of India's success story.''

Singh made these remarks while participating in a debate on the Kashmir situation.

Singh had earlier attacked the separatists for inciting the innocent Kashmiri youth for political gains and using them as pawns.

"The separatists, who mislead youth to give up their lives in the name of jihad, should have been questioned that if what they are doing is so holy then why don't they ask their children to lay down their lives for this holy cause," Singh, who was inspecting the progress of the Chenani-Nashri tunnel construction work here, had told reporters.

Alleging Pakistan for fermenting problem in the Valley, he said, "There is no doubt and we have been getting proofs also that Pakistan has been indulging in a conspiracy in Kashmir. But from our point of view, it is necessary to sensitise the youth, who have now become aware that they must take advantage and the region must be benefitted by the development taking place under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi."

As far as Kashmir is concerned, he said, "The Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have made it clear that the Centre will provide all help to the state government."

"The state government is making all efforts to deal with the present situation in coordination with various agencies, and the situation is gradually improving," said Singh.