People in border areas gave 'full support' during Operation Sindoor: Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday praised the civilian population of the border areas for their “full support” during Operation Sindoor, stating it demonstrates that national security is not just the responsibility of Armed Forces or the government, but of every citizen.

Speaking at the inauguration of a Defence and Sports Academy in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur, Rajnath Singh commended the zeal and determination demonstrated by the youth during the skirmish with Pakistan (May 7-10), adding the “Indian Armed Forces gave a befitting reply and achieved the set goals with precision”.

India shares its border with Pakistan through the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

The Defence Minister stressed that terrorists killed innocent people in Pahalgam in April this year on the basis of their religion. The Indian Armed Forces destroyed those who provided shelter to terrorists in Pakistan, he said.

He described the operation as the identity of ‘New India’. On May 7, Indian Air Force and the Indian Army struck at nine terrorist camps in Pakistan.

Underscoring the importance of initiatives such as the Defence and Sports Academy, Rajnath Singh said the amalgamation of defence, education and sports is crucial to building a secure and strong nation.

He said education provides knowledge while defence ensures security. Qualities like perseverance, discipline, patience and determination are as important to a soldier as they are to a sportsperson, he added.