Golden Temple Head Granthi Allowed Army to Deploy Air Defence Guns During Operation Sindoor: Lt Gen D'Cunha
In a rare and unprecedented move, the Indian Army was allowed to deploy air defence guns within the premises of the Golden Temple in Amritsar to counter drone and missile threats from Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, revealed Lt General Sumer Ivan D'Cunha, Director General of Army Air Defence.
In an interview with news agency ANI, Lt Gen D'Cunha disclosed that the management of the Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest shrine, not only approved the deployment of military equipment on-site but also permitted a full blackout — switching off all lights at the temple for the first time in its history. This helped the Army better detect and intercept drones flying in from across the border.
“We anticipated what Pakistan might attempt. Since they lacked legitimate military targets, we believed they would try to create internal chaos by targeting civilian and religious sites. That’s why we took these steps to protect such a significant place,” Lt Gen D'Cunha said.
Head Granthi Praised for Support
Lt Gen D'Cunha credited the cooperation of the temple’s head granthi (chief priest), who agreed to the deployment after being briefed on the scale of the threat. “It was extremely gracious of the head granthi to allow us to place our guns within the complex. It may have been the first time in many years — if ever — that the Golden Temple's lights were turned off. That darkness gave us visual clarity to track and engage drones more effectively,” he added.
He noted that the decision to support the military deployment came after the temple authorities were made aware of the seriousness of the situation. “They understood the potential risk to the shrine, which is not only a monument of global spiritual importance but also visited by thousands daily. Their cooperation was vital to securing the area,” he said.
Drone Threats and Blackouts in Amritsar
Between May 7 and May 10, Amritsar was among several areas along the India-Pakistan border targeted by missile and drone attacks following Indian counter-strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan’s Punjab province.
Amid the heightened tension, several blackouts were implemented across sensitive regions, including Amritsar. The Golden Temple also participated in the blackout as part of precautionary measures.
Despite the barrage of threats, Indian air defence systems successfully intercepted nearly all incoming drones and missiles during the four-day window, until a ceasefire understanding was reached between the two countries on May 10.