AMRITSAR, May 19 – A senior defence official on Monday revealed that Pakistan attempted to target the Golden Temple in Amritsar during a recent wave of cross-border hostilities, but the attack was successfully thwarted by India’s air defence systems.
The revelation came during a demonstration of India’s multi-layered air defence mechanism, including the indigenous Akash missile system and L-70 air defence guns. The systems were activated in response to escalating threats following the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Indian retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor.
“After the Pahalgam incident, we launched Operation Sindoor and conducted punitive strikes on terror infrastructure across the border. Out of nine designated targets, seven were completely destroyed,” the official said.
He added that credible intelligence indicated a plan to attack both military and civilian targets, including religious sites. “Among these, the Golden Temple was identified as the most prominent target,” the official stated. “We responded swiftly by deploying modern air defence assets to create a comprehensive air security shield over the shrine.”
On the morning of May 8, Pakistan reportedly launched a large-scale aerial attack using drones and long-range missiles. “Our alert air defence units intercepted and neutralised all incoming threats directed at the Golden Temple,” the official said.
While confirming the attempted strike, the official reiterated that the Indian Army remains fully prepared around the clock to counter any provocation.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which manages the Golden Temple, declined to comment. When approached for a statement, SGPC chief secretary Kulwant Mannan chose not to respond.
Meanwhile, Amritsar MP Gurjit Singh Aujla expressed gratitude to the Indian Army. “I thank our armed forces for their vigilance and timely action in protecting the sanctity of the Golden Temple and the lives of civilians,” Aujla said.
The disclosure adds a new layer of seriousness to the recent escalation between India and Pakistan and underscores the religious sensitivities involved in cross-border conflict.
