AMRITSAR, India (Diya TV) — The Indian Army announced on Monday that it successfully thwarted a major aerial assault launched by Pakistan on the intervening night of May 7–8, which included attempts to strike the Golden Temple, one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines, in Amritsar.
During a live demonstration and press briefing held in Amritsar on May 19, Major General Kartik C. Seshadri, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 15th Infantry Division, revealed that Pakistan deployed a barrage of unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range missiles aimed at key civilian and military sites across Punjab and northern India. Among the intended targets was the Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib.
“We anticipated that they would target military installations and symbolic civilian locations, especially religious places,” said Maj. Gen. Seshadri. “The Golden Temple stood out as the most prominent. We immediately mobilized upgraded L-70 Air Defence Guns and the indigenous AKASH missile systems to create a comprehensive air defense umbrella.”
According to the Army, the aerial attack was launched in retaliation for India’s precision strikes on May 7 against nine known terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under “Operation Sindoor.” Those strikes targeted Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters in Muridke and other terror facilities.
In response, Pakistan launched Kamikaze drones and Turkish-origin micro-drones, including YIHA-III and Songar models, from its territory. Indian forces intercepted all incoming threats using only about 10 percent of available ground-based air defense ammunition, officials said.
The Indian Ministry of Defense said the attempted attacks targeted multiple cities, including Amritsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar, Bhuj, and Adampur. In its May 14 statement, the ministry said these threats were neutralized through the Integrated Counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Grid and advanced air defense systems.
Displaying debris of intercepted drones and missiles, the Army emphasized its preparedness and precision. “Despite grave provocations, our response has been measured and targeted only at known terrorist camps. There has been no collateral damage,” said Maj. Gen. Seshadri, highlighting India’s adherence to international norms.
A soldier involved in the operation added, “When their strikes failed to damage military targets, Pakistan deliberately shifted focus to civilian zones and religious sites like the Golden Temple. All threats were neutralized with precision and discipline.”
The incident, however, has raised alarm among religious authorities. Kulwant Singh Mannan, Secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), expressed disbelief over the alleged targeting of a sacred site. “Whether it’s the Indian or Pakistani army, I cannot believe anyone would target Darbar Sahib. It’s a place where thousands come in faith every day. No commander can imagine such an act,” he said.
Soldiers from the Panther Division, which played a central role in defending the area, voiced a strong stance. “We are the panther’s representatives. We fear no one. Our mission is to eliminate terrorism at its root,” said one soldier. The Indian Army has underscored its continued vigilance and ability to protect national and spiritual landmarks.
Pakistan’s military lacks legitimate targets and increasingly relies on terror and proxy methods. But our forces are equipped and committed to neutralize every threat—military or civilian, sacred or strategic,” Maj. Gen. Seshadri concluded.
