Amid escalating tension between New Delhi and Islamabad over the ongoing violence in the Kashmir Valley, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said Aug. 16 here that going to Pakistan was the same as going to hell.

Talking about the killing of five terrorists during a foiled infiltration bid from Pakistan’s side into Jammu and Kashmir, Parrikar said, “Yesterday our jawans sent back five infiltrators. Going to Pakistan and going to hell is the same.”

“Pakistan has promoted terrorism. Sometimes they themselves have become the victims of terrorism,” he added.

Five militants were killed as the Army on Monday foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Kashmir.

Parrikar also assured the gathering that he will look into the demand to set up a regional recruitment center of the army in Rewari, which is also known as the “Ahirwal” region of Haryana.

He said the recruitment center will be set up in Rewari if there was no legal hindrance and after considering all related issues.

He said the “Ahirwal” (the Yadav-dominated belt of south Haryana) was known for its soldiers and martyrs and he was honoured to visit the land.

Parrikar was visiting Rewari, around 90 kilometres from Delhi, to participate in the “70 years of Independence — Recall the Sacrifices” program.

He, along with Union Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh, paid rich tributes to Rao Tula Ram, a key leader of the Indian War of Independence of 1857, at his birthplace here.

Singh kicked off the Tiranga Yatra from Rao Tula Ram Chowk (also called Naiwali Chowk) and concluded at the Rezang La War Memorial after passing through various parts of the city.

After the event, Parrikar told reporters that commanding officers in the army have been given more powers to take decisions at their own level in the interest of their regiments.

He said officers at the commander level were allowed to spent Rs.50 crore to meet the needs and requirements of soldiers they were leading.