Amritsar | May 21, 2025

In a controversy that has sparked outrage among Sikhs globally, the Indian Army has been accused of spreading false information about deploying air defense systems at Sri Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple) in response to an alleged missile threat from Pakistan. Sikh leaders have dismissed these claims as baseless, accusing the military of exploiting sacred Sikh sites for political narratives.In a recent media appearance, Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha claimed that air defense weapons were briefly placed at the Golden Temple due to heightened tensions with Pakistan. He further stated that Sikh religious authorities had approved the move. However, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and prominent Sikh clergy swiftly condemned the statements as entirely untrue.Sikh Leaders Debunk Missile Threat NarrativeThe Indian Army’s assertion that Pakistan posed a missile threat to Sri Harmandar Sahib has been categorically rejected by Sikh leaders, who called it a fabrication with no historical basis. They pointed out that Pakistan has never targeted Sikh religious sites, even during past conflicts like the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars.“This is a reckless and false narrative,” said an SGPC spokesperson. “Pakistan has respected Sikh holy sites, unlike the Indian state, which has a history of aggression against them, including the 1984 attack on Sri Harmandar Sahib during Operation Blue Star, when the Akal Takht was devastated.”Sikh scholars and analysts have highlighted the improving ties between Pakistan and the global Sikh community, citing initiatives like the Kartarpur Corridor and Pakistan’s efforts to preserve Sikh heritage. “During the recent India-Pakistan skirmish, many Sikh leaders expressed neutrality or even leaned toward Pakistan due to historical grievances with India,” noted a senior SGPC official.Global Sikh Community Demands AccountabilityThe Indian Army’s claims triggered an immediate and forceful response from Sikh organizations worldwide. Facing intense scrutiny, the military retracted its statements, removing them from official platforms and declining further comment.Giani Amarjeet Singh, Additional Head Granthi of Sri Harmandar Sahib, labeled the claims “outrageous and fabricated,” clarifying that the temple only complied with city-wide blackout measures and never permitted military equipment on its premises. Giani Raghbir Singh, the Head Granthi, who was abroad at the time, confirmed no discussions about military deployments ever occurred.A Pattern of DisrespectSikh leaders view this incident as part of a broader trend of misrepresentation and disrespect toward their community. From the 1984 military assault on the Golden Temple to the recent misuse of Sikh symbols in political campaigns, many see the Army’s claims as another attempt to undermine Sikh autonomy and sacred spaces.“It’s deeply ironic for the Indian Army, with its history of violating Sikh shrines, to falsely accuse Pakistan—a nation that has supported Sikh pilgrims and heritage preservation,” said a spokesperson for a Canada-based Sikh advocacy group.Push for Apology and Media ResponsibilitySikh organizations are now calling for a formal apology from the Indian government and a clear retraction from the Army. They have also urged media outlets to report on Sikh religious matters with accuracy and sensitivity.“Such misinformation not only disrespects our sacred spaces but also undermines the trust of our global community,” said Advocate Harpreet Dhami. “This cannot continue.”As the controversy subsides, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the damage caused by state-driven misinformation, particularly when it targets revered cultural and religious sites, further straining trust between communities and institutions.