Sri Amritsar, May 20 — A controversy erupted today after Indian Army Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha claimed in a televised interview that air defence guns were deployed at Sri Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple) during recent India-Pakistan tensions. The claim has drawn swift and sharp denials from Sikh religious authorities and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), who have called the statement “shockingly untrue.”
Giani Amarjeet Singh, Additional Head Granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, outrightly rejected the Army officer’s assertion, saying, “No such deployment ever happened, nor was any permission granted.” He emphasized that while the gurdwara authorities complied with city-wide blackout instructions by turning off certain exterior lights, all religious activities and spaces where Maryada (religious code of conduct) is observed remained fully operational and illuminated.
“Even in times of national tension, we maintained full sanctity and religious discipline. The claim that air defence guns were placed at the holy shrine is not just false, it is deeply misleading,” Giani Amarjeet Singh said.
He clarified that daily religious practices, including Sri Akhand Path Sahib, Langar Sewa, and other traditions, continued undisturbed, and no military installation or request was made regarding the site.
Adding weight to the rejection, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami confirmed that the committee was contacted only by the civil administration regarding the blackout, not by the Army. He noted that only external lights were turned off temporarily, and that devotees continued visiting and performing Sewa throughout the period.
“If such an event had occurred, it would have been impossible to hide from the Sangat (congregation). The officer’s claim is baseless, and we demand the Government of India clarify why such misinformation is being spread,” said Dhami.
Dhami acknowledged the Indian Army’s service to the country, especially during times of crisis, but condemned any false narrative that misrepresents the religious sanctity of Sri Harmandar Sahib.
Meanwhile, Giani Raghbir Singh, Head Granthi of Sri Harmandar Sahib, who was abroad during the said period, also stated that no communication or permission related to gun deployment was ever made, echoing the view that the Army officer’s remarks are entirely fabricated.
The SGPC has strongly urged the Government to investigate and take corrective steps to prevent such misleading statements from being issued in the future—particularly when they pertain to deeply sensitive religious sites.
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