Golden Temple Operation Sindoor: Rumors fly the fastest when there is tension on the borders. Something similar happened during ‘Operation Sindoor’, when the news spread like a forest fire that the Indian Army at the holy Sri Harmander Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar has deployed *air defense systems to deal with potential drone or missile attacks from Pakistan. This news created a stir on social media, religious sentiments erupted and many Sikh organizations reacted sharply. But amid this entire controversy, on Tuesday, the Indian Army clearly issued a statement saying “No air defense system or air defense gun was deployed in the Golden Temple.” This statement of the army tried to put a stop to rumors, but many questions are still floating in the air: from where did these news come from? For what purpose was spread? And was it just confusion or a well -planned political agenda?
Army completely denied
The Indian Army in its statement strictly stated that “no air defense system, resources or air defense guns were deployed in the Golden Temple complex”. The army also clarified that “some reports that have come out in the media are baseless and they have no relation with any facts.” This statement becomes important because it directly rejects the misconceptions spreading about one of the most sacred religious places in the country.
SGPC and religious leaders also clarified
Even before the army’s statement, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) also dismissed all such reports. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami clarified that no military officer contacted him to deploy aerial defense system in the Golden Temple. Dhami said, “We were requested to close the lights only during the blackout from the administration. We stopped the external lights keeping in mind the religious dignity, but the lights and actions of the religious dignity continued to continue.”
Obvious reaction of main glands
Additional main gland of the Golden Temple Giani Amarjeet Singh said, “The claim that the army had deployed an air defense system in the campus, there is a complete lie. No such permission was given.” At the same time, the main gland Giani Raghbir Singh, who was on a foreign trip at that time, also denied any such discussion or information. Religious leaders also reiterated that the sanctity of the religious place was maintained with full responsibility and even during the ‘blackout’, lights were not closed in areas where religious rules are followed.
Operation vermilion ‘and increasing stress
‘Operation Sindoor’ is a secret military exercise conducted by the Indian Army in recent times, which was part of security measures in the perspective of Indo-Pak tension. India had tightened its security system due to increasing drone activities from Pakistan and aggressive trend in border areas. In such a situation, it was reported that military deployment was done in the fear of air strikes regarding the Golden Temple, but now it has been completely fragmented.
The source and purpose of rumors?
Now the question arises that where did such a serious and sensitive news come from? Was it a rumor spread for any political benefit? Or did someone’s misunderstanding make it headlines for media? Dhami said that “In such a sensitive time, it is very shocking and irresponsible to spread such false things.” SGPC clarified that if there was any such activity, thousands of devotees and Sangat would definitely see and react to him.
Both sanctity and safety are important
This whole controversy clears one thing when two serious subjects like religion and security come together, sensitivity and accuracy become the most important. The offeards not only hurt religious sentiments, but also question the dignity and credibility of the army. The army has clarified the situation while playing its role, SGPC also showed responsibility, and now it is the turn of the media and the public to come to a conclusion only by examining the facts.
