Reports recently surfaced claiming that the Golden Temple management had granted permission to the Indian Army to deploy air defence guns to tackle potential drone threats. But on Tuesday, the Army firmly denied these allegations, clarifying that no air defence guns or related resources were placed within the Golden Temple premises during Operation Sindoor.
"Certain media outlets are circulating misleading reports regarding the deployment of AD (air defence) guns at the Golden Temple. We categorically state that no AD guns or any other air defence equipment was stationed within the Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar complex," the Army said in an official statement.
Backing this denial, the additional head priest of the shrine and the top Sikh religious body, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), also clarified that no permission was granted to the Army for any such deployment.
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami explained that while there was communication from the administration regarding a blackout, and the request to switch off lights was honored, it was solely in line with administrative responsibilities and done without compromising the religious code of conduct (maryada).
He further confirmed that there had been no contact from any Army official about installing air defence systems at Sri Harmandar Sahib.
Head Granthi Giani Raghbir Singh, who was abroad during Operation Sindoor, also dismissed the claims. He said there was no correspondence regarding gun placements, and absolutely no such deployment occurred at the Golden Temple.
Adding to the rebuttal, Additional Head Priest Giani Amarjeet Singh strongly denied the reports, calling them baseless and "shockingly untrue." He asserted that the management of Harmandar Sahib fully cooperated with city-wide blackout guidelines, turning off exterior and upper lights within the required timeframe.
However, areas where religious practices were taking place remained illuminated, ensuring the sanctity of the holy site was preserved. He emphasized that no permission was ever granted to install any form of weaponry in the shrine.
He reiterated that daily religious duties at Sri Darbar Sahib, the Langar of Guru Ramdas Ji, and other associated gurdwaras were performed without disruption, under strict protocols. “No one has the right to interfere in our spiritual duties,” he stated boldly.
Despite the recent tensions, all religious functions at Harmandar Sahib continued with discipline and dedication. Mr. Singh also underlined that even during the blackout, lights at key religious locations were kept on where maryada was being observed.
SGPC Chief Dhami further clarified that only outer lights were turned off in consultation with Mr. Singh, as per district directions. He also noted that thousands of devotees visited and did sewa (voluntary service) during this period. If such a significant event like gun deployment had happened, the Sangat (congregation) would surely have witnessed it.
While acknowledging the commendable role of the Army and the nation during the tense moments, Mr. Dhami condemned the spread of such false claims. He called it "shockingly untrue" that misinformation is being circulated about the most revered Sikh shrine after the event.
He also demanded a clarification from the government to set the record straight.
Description:
"The Indian Army and Golden Temple authorities have strongly denied reports of air defence gun deployment at Sri Harmandar Sahib during Operation Sindoor. The SGPC clarifies that no military equipment was installed, and all religious protocols were strictly followed. Read the full statement and truth behind the viral claims."