The Indian Army on Tuesday categorically denied reports claiming that air defence (AD) guns or any other air defence resources were deployed within the Golden Temple premises during Operation Sindoor.

In a statement, the Army clarified, “Some media reports are circulating with respect to deployment of AD (air defence) guns in the Golden Temple. It is clarified that no AD guns or any other AD resource was deployed within the premises of Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (Golden Temple).”

Temple authorities refute claims

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex religious body of the Sikhs that manages the Golden Temple, also dismissed these reports. The additional head priest of the shrine and SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami affirmed that no permission was granted to the Indian Army to install any air defence guns within the sacred premises.

Dhami explained that the administration had only contacted them regarding switching off lights during the city-wide blackout imposed after the recent escalation of tension between India and Pakistan. The SGPC cooperated fully, balancing administrative responsibilities with the sanctity of the ongoing ‘maryada’ (religious code of conduct).

“There was no contact from any Army official regarding the installation of air defence guns at Sri Harmandar Sahib,” Dhami stated.

Clarifications from Golden Temple priests

Giani Raghbir Singh, the Head Granthi of Harmandar Sahib, who was abroad during Operation Sindoor, confirmed there was no communication with him regarding any gun deployment, nor did any such incident take place at the Golden Temple.

Similarly, the additional head priest Giani Amarjeet Singh categorically rejected the claim that the Army was allowed to deploy air defence guns within the shrine. “This claim is shockingly untrue,” he said. “No permission for installing guns was ever given.”

Singh elaborated that the Golden Temple management had cooperated with district administration guidelines concerning the blackout by switching off exterior and upper lights within the stipulated timeframe. However, lights at locations where religious codes of conduct are observed remained on, ensuring the sanctity of the shrine was maintained with full responsibility.

He emphasised that daily religious practices at Sri Darbar Sahib, the Langar of Guru Ramdas Ji, places of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, and other associated gurdwaras continued strictly according to protocol, with no interference allowed. Despite the tense situation in recent days, the full religious code of conduct was observed at Harmandar Sahib with dedication and discipline.

Singh also confirmed that no lights were turned off at any religious site where ‘maryada’ was observed, even during the blackout.

Devotees witnessed no unusual activity

Based on consultation with Singh, SGPC president Dhami said only the outer lights were turned off as per district administration guidelines. He added that even during the blackout, large numbers of devotees visited the shrine and performed ‘sewa’ (voluntary service).

“If there had been any such event like gun deployment, the Sangat (congregation) would certainly have noticed it,” Dhami pointed out.

Demand for government clarification

While acknowledging the commendable role played by the Army and the country amid recent tensions, Dhami condemned the spreading of falsehoods regarding the central religious place of the Sikhs days after the events.

He demanded a government clarification on the issue, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding the Golden Temple.