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The Indian Army successfully intercepted and neutralized multiple missile and drone threats launched by Pakistan, protecting key cities in Punjab, including the revered Golden Temple. Using the indigenous Akash missile system and L-70 Air Defence Guns, Indian air defence gunners effectively safeguarded national and religious landmarks amid heightened cross-border tensions.
This critical defence action followed a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which left 26 innocent people dead. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with surgical precision.
#WATCH | Amritsar, Punjab: Indian Army shows a demo of how Indian Air Defence systems, including AKASH missile system, saved the Golden Temple in Amritsar and cities of Punjab from Pakistani missile and drone attacks. pic.twitter.com/3HchX0yHJI
— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025
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Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan escalated hostilities by deploying drones and long-range missiles aimed at Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana. All incoming aerial threats were intercepted by India’s armed forces, preventing damage to civilian lives and religious sites.
Golden Temple Among Primary Targets
Major General Kartik C. Seshadri, GOC of the 15 Infantry Division, confirmed that intelligence inputs had warned of Pakistani plans to strike civilian and religious sites. “We anticipated that the Golden Temple would be a major target. Our teams deployed additional advanced air defence systems to ensure its full protection,” he said.
On the morning of May 8, Pakistan launched a wave of UAVs and missile strikes, but Seshadri stated the Army was fully prepared. “All threats were shot down by our brave air defence gunners. The sacred Golden Temple remained unharmed,” he added.
#WATCH | Amritsar, Punjab: Major General Kartik C Seshadri, GOC, 15 Infantry Division says “…Indian Army remains steadfast on the path of modernisation and focused transformation of which indigenisation is a significant component for self-reliance. Raksha Mantri has declared… https://t.co/CcesJBU4uu pic.twitter.com/WKZEM0SnEN
— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2025
Details of Operation Sindoor
Seshadri elaborated that Operation Sindoor was a response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. “We precisely targeted nine terror facilities. Seven were completely destroyed, including Lashkar-e-Taiba’s headquarters in Muridke near Lahore and Jaish-e-Mohammed’s base in Bahawalpur,” he revealed.
He emphasized that only known terrorist hubs were hit and no civilian or military structures in Pakistan were targeted. “Our operations are professional and responsible. We avoid collateral damage—a fact even the Pakistan Army silently acknowledges.”
Pakistan’s Use of Terror and Drones
Seshadri accused the Pakistan Army of using terrorism as national policy, stating, “They lack the courage or means to engage us directly, so they use drones and missiles to strike civilians, including women, children, and religious places like the Golden Temple.”
Despite repeated attacks, India’s air defence teams have successfully intercepted every attempt. “Our vigilance and readiness have saved countless lives,” Seshadri affirmed.
Voices from the Frontline
Soldiers from the Panther Division, involved in Operation Sindoor, passionately declared, “We are panthers — fearless, determined, and driven by duty. We will crush terrorism wherever it hides. This is a battle of honour.”
Local villagers near the Punjab border echoed this sentiment. Jasbir Singh, a resident, said, “We live in peace because our soldiers protect us. During recent tensions, the Army was present in our villages. We trust and support them completely.”
Infrastructure Defence in Action
As tensions remain high, India’s military continues to maintain strong air defence readiness. The Akash missile system, a symbol of India’s self-reliance in defence, proved crucial in saving Punjab from destruction.
This latest face-off marks a major chapter in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism. While India maintains restraint and precision in its response, its resolve to protect civilian lives and national pride remains unshaken.
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