In a dramatic escalation of cross-border tensions, the Indian Army reported on Sunday that it successfully intercepted and neutralized a series of drones and missiles launched from Pakistan, which appeared to be targeting the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. This provocative move followed precision strikes conducted by India on terror infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC), officials said.
According to the Indian Army’s official statement, the attempted attack by Pakistan marked a significant breach of international norms, as the Golden Temple is not only a religious landmark but also a symbol of peace and spiritual unity for millions of Sikhs worldwide. The incident occurred less than 24 hours after India launched a targeted operation aimed at dismantling training camps and logistical hubs allegedly supporting terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Brigadier R.S. Chauhan, spokesperson for the Northern Command, confirmed that India’s integrated air defence systems detected multiple inbound threats originating from Pakistani airspace late Saturday evening. “Our anti-drone units responded swiftly and neutralized all aerial threats well before they could reach any civilian area,” Chauhan stated. He added that debris analysis is underway, and initial assessments indicate the use of GPS-guided drone technology equipped with small payload explosives.
Key defense analysts have noted that the targeting of a sacred site such as the Golden Temple signifies a dangerous shift in Pakistan’s strategic calculus. “This is not just an act of aggression but a deliberate attempt to incite religious discord within India,” said Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Harpal Singh, now a security advisor. “Such an act, had it succeeded, could have ignited nationwide outrage and destabilized the internal security fabric.”
Indian officials have summoned Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi to lodge a formal protest and present technical evidence of the intercepted drones and missiles. Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling it a “reprehensible provocation designed to test India’s restraint.”
International reactions have begun to surface. The United States has urged both nations to exercise restraint while reiterating support for India’s right to defend its sovereignty. The United Nations, through its South Asia envoy, called for immediate de-escalation and adherence to diplomatic channels.
This latest flare-up adds to an already volatile situation along the LoC, where ceasefire violations have increased since early May. The Indian armed forces remain on high alert, and security has been significantly ramped up across major cities, particularly in Punjab and Jammu.
As investigations continue, the Indian government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens and the sanctity of its religious sites. “We will not tolerate any attempt to destabilize our internal harmony or provoke communal unrest,” Home Minister Rajnath Kumar declared in a press briefing on Monday.
The Indian Army’s swift and effective response has, for now, averted what could have been a catastrophic incident at one of the nation’s most revered shrines. However, the episode underscores the need for heightened vigilance and sustained diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalations.
