Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that Rohingya Muslims are persecuted in Myanmar because of their links to 'Jihadi elements' and their 'violent and separatist' activities.

Speaking on the occasion of Vijayadashami in Nagpur, he said, "Why are they (Rohingya) coming here? Why can't they stay in their country? When we gather all the information, we know that their separatist, violent and criminal activities have led to their problems."

"The government of their country dealt with them strictly when their links to Jihadi elements were exposed," Bhagwat said.

He also said that if Rohingya are allowed to stay in India then it would not only be a burden on taxpayers but also a security threat. Bhagwat also said that 'Jihadi forces' are active in Kerala and West Bengal.

"People are resisting but the state governments are not fulfilling their duty,' he said.

On the condition of economy, Bhagwat said, "All the policies and standards need a rethinking and unique models of development based on the needs of our nation. Economic advisers will have to come out of old economic 'isms' and present solutions based on ground reality of our nation."  -- ANI