Golden Temple in Amritsar was also targeted by Pakistan; Indian air defence shot down all drones and missiles
PTC Web Desk: In a significant show of military preparedness, the Indian Army thwarted a large-scale missile and drone attack launched by Pakistan targeting the Golden Temple, popularly known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, in Amritsar, Punjab. The assault came in response to India’s surgical strikes on nine terror camp locations across Pakistan under Operation Sindoor.
Major General Kartik C Seshadri, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 15th Infantry Division, on Monday stated that the Indian Army air defence gunners successfully intercepted and destroyed all incoming threats aimed at the revered Golden Temple.
#WATCH | Amritsar, Punjab: Indian Army shows a demo of how Indian Air Defence systems, including AKASH missile system, L-70 Air Defence Guns, saved the Golden Temple in Amritsar and cities of Punjab from Pakistani missile and drone attacks. pic.twitter.com/yulFvSFqKv — ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025
Anticipating Pakistan’s retaliation, the Indian Army had proactively fortified its air defence network around critical military and civilian zones, including religious landmarks. "We were aware that Pakistan, lacking legitimate targets, might go after both military installations and civilian sites. Among them, the Golden Temple stood out as a symbolic target. We responded by deploying advanced air defence systems to provide complete aerial protection," Major General Seshadri stated.
On May 8, Pakistan initiated a heavy offensive using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and long-range missiles aimed at various Indian cities. However, all attempts were neutralised by India’s air defence units, which included the Akash missile system and L-70 Air Defence Guns.
The Army also demonstrated how these systems shielded not just the Golden Temple, but also other cities in Punjab, from the incoming barrage. “Thanks to the vigilance and bravery of our air defence gunners, Pakistan’s attempt to inflict damage on our sacred Golden Temple was completely foiled. Not even a scratch was allowed on it,” said the GOC.
The offensive from Pakistan followed India’s high-precision strikes on nine identified terrorist hubs across the border. These included Muridke, near Lahore, which houses the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) headquarters, and Bahawalpur, known as the base of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The Indian Army clarified that all targets were carefully selected to avoid civilian and military infrastructure.
According to Major General Seshadri, the retaliatory campaign lasted four days, during which Indian air defence intercepted numerous drones, missiles, loitering munitions, and micro-UAVs, ensuring minimal damage and civilian safety on the Indian side. A ceasefire agreement was reached following the conclusion of the operation.
- With inputs from agencies
