Army Denies Air Defence Gun Deployment at Golden Temple
The Indian Army has categorically denied allegations that air defence guns were deployed inside the Golden Temple premises in Amritsar during Operation Sindoor. In an official statement issued on May 20, 2025, the Army clarified that no air defence assets or personnel were stationed within the temple complex at any point during the military operation.
The clarification comes after a reported statement attributed to Lt Gen Sumer Ivan D’Cunha suggested that such deployment was made with the consent of the head granthi of the shrine. However, the Army has now officially rejected those claims, asserting that the information circulating in the public domain is inaccurate and misleading.
SGPC and Clergy Dispute Army-Related Claims
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the religious authority overseeing the Golden Temple, also issued a strong rebuttal to the reports. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that no dialogue had taken place with the Army regarding any such deployment, and no equipment was ever placed inside the sacred premises.
Giani Raghbir Singh, the head granthi of the Golden Temple, echoed this sentiment. He clarified that he was abroad during the timeline when the alleged discussions with the Army supposedly occurred and that no officer contacted him in this regard. He emphasized that the sanctity and neutrality of the religious space must not be politicized or used for narrative distortion.
Background: Operation Sindoor and Regional Security
Operation Sindoor was a proactive military response to intelligence inputs regarding possible cross-border attacks, particularly drone and missile threats originating from Pakistan. During the operation, India’s integrated air defence systems were active across Punjab and other northern border zones to prevent any escalation or targeting of strategic or religious sites.
While regional air defence readiness was heightened, the Army has clarified that the actual deployment was restricted to tactical locations outside sensitive religious complexes. This includes the Golden Temple, which remains untouched in terms of military hardware, thereby preserving its spiritual sanctity.
This clarification comes at a time when misinformation regarding military operations and religious sites can spark controversy. The Army has reiterated its commitment to operational transparency and respect for religious institutions, urging citizens and media to verify facts before amplifying sensitive claims.
