Jodhpur: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday highlighted the distinction between the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack, who reportedly killed innocents after asking about their religion, and India’s armed forces, who act by evaluating the deeds of terrorists, not their faith. Addressing the gathering during the inauguration of the Adarsh Defence and Sports Academy at Adarsh Vidya Mandir in Lal Sagar, Singh said, “The terrorists killed people after asking their religion, but our soldiers killed terrorists by looking at their deeds, not their religion.”

He recalled that following the Pahalgam incident, the three service chiefs expressed readiness for any operation, after which the Prime Minister issued directions, leading to a precise retaliatory strike. Singh praised the support of border communities during Operation Sindoor, emphasizing that national security is a shared responsibility of the government, military, and citizens alike. He lauded the zeal and determination of the youth during the operation, calling it the “identity of New India.”

The Defence Minister also underscored Rajasthan’s contribution to the armed forces and the need to bridge the officer-rank gap through initiatives like the Vidya Bharati project, which aims to cultivate capable leaders. Reflecting on Rajasthan’s historical legacy, Singh said, “This land never bows down. The power of Maharana, the devotion of Meera, the sacrifice of Panna Dhai, and the wealth of Bhamashah are its true identity. Even today, sons of this land safeguard the tricolour on the borders.”

Singh inaugurated the Adarsh Defence and Sports Academy under the Lalsagar Project, describing it as a rare confluence of defence, education, and sports that will groom students to bring pride not only to Rajasthan but to the entire nation. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat added that Vidya Bharati has been imparting value-based education for six decades, and the academy will further enhance India’s prominence in defence and sports.

Yatindra Sharma, All India Co-organisation Minister of Vidya Bharati, noted that the Lalsagar project, valued at Rs 110 crore, is being developed in the centenary year of the Sangh. The first phase includes a Rs 30 crore hostel accommodating 400 students—200 for defence training and 200 for sports at national and international levels. Admissions will be based on a selection test.

The event saw the presence of MPs Rajendra Gehlot, former MP Kailash Chaudhary, RSS state pracharak Nimbaram, Minister Jogaram Patel, several MLAs, military and administrative officers, and a large number of citizens.