Indian Army Says Pakistan Attempted Attack On Golden Temple In Amritsar; ‘Our Air Defence Didn’t Allow Even A Scratch’

The Indian Army reported on Monday (19 May) that Pakistan attempted to retaliate against India's strikes on nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, part of Operation Sindoor, by targeting the Golden Temple in Amritsar and multiple cities in Punjab. They did this using drones and missiles on the night of 7-8 May.

In a press conference and live demonstration in Amritsar, the Indian Army showcased remnants of drones and missiles, fired from Pakistan and intercepted by India's air defence systems, Indian Express reported.

The military also demonstrated the use of sophisticated technologies, such as the enhanced L-70 Air Defence Guns and AKASH missile systems, in thwarting aerial dangers targeting key locations, including the Golden Temple and various cities throughout Punjab.

Major General Kartik C Seshadri, General Officer Commanding of 15 Infantry Division said that the Indian forces were well prepared with anticipation that the Pakistani army would target Indian military installations and civilian targets, including religious places.

"Of these, the Golden Temple appeared to be the most prominent. We mobilised additional modern air defence assets to give a holistic air defence umbrella cover to Golden Temple,” he said confirming the attack on the Golden Temple.

He asserted, "We were fully prepared since we had anticipated this, and our alert Army Air Defence gunners shot down all drones and missiles targeted at the Golden Temple. Thus, not allowing even a scratch to come on our holy Golden Temple."

Detailing the account of the sequence of events from the early hours of 8 May, he said, “Pakistan carried out a massive air assault with unmanned aerial weapons, primarily drones and long-range missiles.".

Another Army soldier confirmed, “Only 10 per cent of the ammunition of ground-based air defence weapons and Army air defence weapons were used… It is very difficult to breach our air defence wall.”

The Indian Army displayed the debris of these intercepted Kamikaze drones and a few Turkish-origin micro-drones, including models like YIHA-III and Songar.

“When they failed to damage our air bases or military targets, they shifted to civilian areas, Gurdwara Sahib, and other places using Kamikaze drones and rockets. All of them were intercepted and neutralised with precision,” the soldier added.