india

Updated: Apr 06, 2015 23:36 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said Muslim youth needed "empowerment" so that they could take part in "nation-building," after meeting Muslim priests and officials mainly from the Barelvi sect attached to various dargahs (shrines).

The PM also promised "complete assistance" in "ameliorating the social conditions and educational requirements" of the community.

The delegation demanded better upkeep of various shrines and also raised apprehensions about increasing "radicalisation" and "emerging threat of terrorism." They called for "greater unity and collective efforts" to meet the challenge, a statement from Modi's office said.

Senior leaders of the Muslim community from across the country, including Syed Sultan-Ul-Hasan Chishti Misbahi (Sazzada Nashin, Ajmer Sharif), Hazrat Ghulam Yasin Sahib (Shahar Kazi, Varanasi), Sheikh Wasim Ashrafi (Imam Tanzeem, Mumbai), met Modi to apprise him of their concerns.

They sought help with issues relating to properties of Muslim shrines, mosques and madarasas.

The leaders also sought the support of the government in providing better facilities for Muslim youth in education.

Modi "specifically" assured the leaders that he would look into their grievances on the issue of shrines, the PMO said.

The Muslim leaders pledged full support of the community to ensure speedy economic growth, promote communal harmony and peace and strengthen national security.