Golden Temple Denies Army Gun Deployment Claim

Golden Temple Priest Refutes Army Claim of Air Defence Deployment During Operation Sindoor

 

 

Giani Raghbir Singh, the head granthi of the Golden Temple, on Tuesday firmly denied claims made by senior army officials that the Indian Army had deployed air defence guns within the Golden Temple complex during Operation Sindoor, which was aimed at countering drone and missile threats from across the border.

The statement came in response to remarks by Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D'Cunha, who oversees the army’s air defence operations. The officer had publicly stated that the deployment of air defence systems at the Golden Temple had been undertaken with the approval of the head granthi, praising the cooperation extended by the shrine authorities in view of the perceived threat.

Lieutenant General D'Cunha’s statement was supported by earlier comments from Major General Kartik C Seshadri, General Officer Commanding of the 15 Infantry Division, who had alleged that the Golden Temple had been targeted by drones and missiles from Pakistan. He further claimed that India’s air defence mechanisms had successfully neutralised the threats.

However, Giani Raghbir Singh dismissed these claims as “propaganda”. Addressing the media in Amritsar, he stated categorically that no army official had contacted him, nor was any approval sought or granted for deploying military equipment within the sacred premises of Sri Harmandar Sahib. He further clarified that he had been on an extended visit to the United States from 24 April to 14 May and was not present in India during the reported conflict.

“The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) must investigate these claims and initiate internal action if any SGPC official is found involved in such matters,” he added.

In a separate official clarification issued by the SGPC, additional head granthi Giani Amarjit Singh, who officiated in Giani Raghbir Singh’s absence, reiterated that while the management had abided by local authorities’ request to implement a blackout at the shrine during the period of tension, no military deployment took place. “Lights were switched off in compliance with guidelines, but religious sanctity and codes of conduct were maintained,” he said.

He firmly denied granting any permission to army personnel and confirmed that no weapons were stationed at the shrine at any point.

SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami also weighed in, stating he had not been contacted by the army and there had been no installation of air defence systems at the Golden Temple. “Had such an action been taken, the devotees performing sewa would certainly have noticed,” he said.

The SGPC has yet to announce whether it will initiate a formal inquiry into the matter.