&w=3840&q=100)
Army deployed air defence to protect Golden Temple from Pak drones: Lt Gen
In an interview with ANI released on Monday, Lt Gen D'Cunha said the deployment was made after temple authorities understood the nature of the threat and coordinated with the Army.
'The Golden Temple hierarchy realised there was possibly a threat when it was explained to them. They allowed us to deploy guns to protect… the Golden Temple's lights were switched off so that we could clearly visualise the drones as they were coming in,' he said.
Debris of Pakistani drones, missiles recovered
During a demonstration in Amritsar, the Army showcased debris of intercepted drones and missiles launched from Pakistan and brought down by upgraded systems including the L-70 Air Defence Guns and the AKASH missile batteries.
'These systems allowed for improved targeting and visibility, especially when aided by temple authorities switching off exterior lights,' Lt Gen D'Cunha added.
'India can strike deep into Pakistan'
Lt Gen D'Cunha also stated that India has the military capability to strike anywhere across Pakistan, even if the country's Army relocates its General Headquarters (GHQ).
'India has an adequate arsenal of weapons to take on Pakistan right across its depth… GHQ can move from Rawalpindi to KPK or wherever they want to move, but they are all within range,' he said.
Operation Sindoor and political fallout
Responding to questions about political remarks surrounding Operation Sindoor, D'Cunha said the operation's success was proof that it was executed without alerting the adversary.
'For any conflict to be successful, a surprise is the greatest element. The fact that we got a hundred terrorists, if not more, in their respective camps... that itself gives you an answer,' he said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had questioned whether Pakistan had prior knowledge of the strikes and repeated his allegation on Monday, saying, 'EAM Jaishankar's silence isn't just telling—it's damning... How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew? This wasn't a lapse. It was a crime.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
28 minutes ago
- India.com
Following Flurry Of Threat By Top Pakistan Leaders, India Warns Islamabad: ‘Watch Your Words, Any Misstep Will Have Serious Consequences'
New Delhi: India has issued a stern warning to Pakistan following a series of provocative statements by three of its top leaders over the past 48 hours. The comments by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Ex-Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto have drawn a sharp response from New Delhi, with the Ministry of External Affairs asking Islamabad to exercise restraint. At the weekly press briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randeep Jaiswal said, 'Pakistani leaders are issuing irresponsible, war-inciting and hate-filled statements against India. These remarks appear to be aimed at covering up domestic failures.' He added, 'They must control their words. Any wrong step from their side will have very serious consequences.' The remarks follow the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India, a decision that has drawn repeated threats from Islamabad in recent days. On August 11, Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir made a provocative statement during a private event at Tampa in Florida. 'We will wait for India to build a dam, and when it does so, phir 10 missile sey faarigh kar dengey,' he declared, implying the use of missile strikes to destroy any future dams constructed by India on the Indus River. Following Munir's remarks, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a strong warning regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, he stated, 'I want to tell the enemy today that if you threaten to hold our water, then keep this in mind that you cannot snatch even one drop from Pakistan.' He emphasised that any attempt to cut off water supplies would result in a 'decisive response' from Pakistan, framing the Indus waters as the 'lifeblood' of the nation. Former Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto also joined the chorus of threats. He warned that if India continued to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan would have 'no choice' but to consider war. His remarks came shortly after Munir's nuclear threat, heightening regional alarm over potential conflict escalation. Addressing claims related to the treaty, Jaiswal dismissed Pakistan's position and questioned the validity of the Court of Arbitration. 'India does not recognise the arbitration court legally or formally. It has no authority to issue such decisions. Its orders fall outside its jurisdiction. They do not affect India's rights over water usage,' he said. He also reaffirmed India's reasoning for suspending the treaty, pointing to rising cross-border terrorism. 'As stated in our press release of June 27, 2025, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is a direct response to Pakistan's repeated acts of cross-border terrorism, including the Pahalgam attack. This step is a measure to safeguard India's national security and is fully within our rights,' he said. Jaiswal also addressed broader geopolitical issues during the briefing. On India-US relations, he said, 'The partnership between India and the United States rests on deep strategic cooperation, shared democratic values and strong mutual respect. The relationship has withstood challenges and changes, and we remain confident it will continue to grow on the basis of shared interests.' Regarding upcoming international engagements, he highlighted that External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is expected to travel to Moscow later this month for the 26th India-Russia Inter-Government Session. On the Alaska meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15, Jaiswal welcomed the agreement for dialogue. He reiterated Prime Minister Modi's repeated message that 'this is not the age of war'. On trade with China, he confirmed that discussions continue to resume border trade at Lipulekh and Shipki La in Uttarakhand, ensuring safe and regulated commerce. Finally, Jaiswal addressed the United States' Human Rights Report 2025, released on August 12. 'These reports are based on allegations, misrepresentations and one-sided assumptions that fail to capture India's democratic framework accurately. We do not place any reliance on such biased assessments.' The report has raised concerns about several aspects of civil and political life in India. It highlights restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and the press in certain regions. It cites instances where journalists, activists and students allegedly faced legal actions or other pressures for voicing dissenting opinions. The report also mentions limitations on digital freedoms, pointing to internet shutdowns in areas such as Jammu and Kashmir that have affected the flow of information. Religious freedom and communal harmony remain key points of critique. The report highlights episodes of communal tension and alleged discrimination against religious minorities, including reports of mob violence and concerns about law enforcement responses. It also flags alleged challenges faced by women, children and marginalised communities in accessing justice, social services and protection from exploitation or discrimination. The report draws attention to issues within the criminal justice system. It references alleged cases of arbitrary arrests, custodial deaths and prolonged pretrial detention in some states. These, according to the report, indicate gaps in procedural safeguards and the need for reforms in law enforcement practices.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
No exchange of sweets on India, Pak border today
New Delhi No exchange of sweets on India, Pak border today Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel will not exchange sweets with Pakistan Rangers at the Indo-Pak border this Independence Day, a departure from a long-standing tradition, officials aware of the matter said. However, the customary exchange of sweets on the occasion will continue at the Indo-Bangladesh border outposts in the eastern sector. The decision not to exchange sweets this Independence Day has been taken against the backdrop of Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam and India's successful response - Operation Sindoor. During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan Rangers had provided cover fire to assist infiltrating terrorists. In one operation, at least 7 Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, aided by Pakistan Rangers, were neutralised by BSF on the night of May 8 on the border in Samba district.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Op Sindoor a sign India no longer bound by traditional borders: Rajnath
Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said Operation Sindoor was a balanced military response that signalled India is no longer bound by traditional boundaries, but is using modern technology, accurate intelligence and smart military strategies to target terrorism. The success of Operation Sindoor will be celebrated at the Independence Day function at Red Fort on Friday. (PTI) 'It was a clear message from India that we are tolerant, but when it comes to the safety of our people and the dignity of our country, we unite and face every challenge boldly. Operation Sindoor is a part of India's new policy, a clear message that no matter how deep the roots of terrorism are, its complete destruction will be ensured,' Singh said in a message to soldiers on the eve of the country's 79th Independence Day. The success of Operation Sindoor will be celebrated at the Independence Day function at Red Fort on Friday, three months after Indian forces hit terror and military targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. A Mi-17 helicopter will fly a flag depicting Operation Sindoor, the invitation cards carry the operation's distinct logo, the view cutter at Gyanpath will also showcase the logo, and the floral decoration will be based on the operation. Operation Sindoor will continue until the goal of complete destruction of terrorism is achieved, Singh said, on a day the government announced gallantry awards for soldiers who took part in the operation. Singh described India's actions during the operation as 'a shining example of a precise and successful military strategy, and a glimpse of a new vision, technological advancements and self-reliance.' India launched the operation in the early hours of May 7 and struck terror and military installations in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam terror strike. Between the launch of the operation in the early hours of May 7 and the ceasefire on May 10 evening, Indian forces bombed nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, killing at least 100 terrorists, and the Indian Air Force struck targets at 13 Pakistani airbases and military installations. India, Singh said, successfully utilised cutting-edge apparatus such as drones, layered air defence, electronic warfare and network-centric operations, and proved that it is no longer dependent on foreign technology. The operation has taken India's military self-reliance to a greater height, he said. Talking about the balanced strategy of Operation Sindoor, Singh said within a few minutes (on May 7), nine terror training camps, including the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, were destroyed by precise missile attacks, and no civilian areas and Pakistani military establishments were targeted. The Indian armed forces, he said, neither crossed the Line of Control nor violated the international border, yet managed to deliver a crushing blow to the terror infrastructure hidden inside the enemy's territory. Singh added that with Operation Sindoor, the armed forces not only avenged the barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam, but also the strikes on Parliament House, in Mumbai and on Amarnath pilgrims in the past.
