In a significant and unprecedented move, the Indian Army deployed air defence guns within the premises of the Golden Temple in Amritsar during Operation Sindoor to defend against potential drone and missile attacks from Pakistan. Director General of Army Air Defence, Lt General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, revealed that the Golden Temple authorities allowed the deployment and even permitted the lights of the shrine to be switched off for the first time in history to enhance drone detection.
Speaking to ANI, Lt General D’Cunha said, “The Golden Temple’s management understood the seriousness of the situation and agreed to the deployment of guns and switching off of lights. This improved our visual clarity, helping us detect and engage incoming drones.”
He credited the head granthi of the Sikh shrine for his cooperation and foresight. “They realised the threat was real and allowed us to take preventive action to protect this monument of global significance,” he said.
The move came during a series of drone and missile attacks launched by Pakistan between May 7 and May 10, following India’s precision strikes on terror hubs in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Punjab. During this time, Amritsar and surrounding areas faced blackouts, including the Golden Temple complex.
Despite the heightened threat, Indian Air Defence units successfully thwarted nearly all attacks until a ceasefire understanding was reached on May 10. The military credited the early visualisation of enemy tactics and the cooperation of religious authorities in averting potential disasters.
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