‘They’ll have to find a deep hole’: Lt Gen D’Cunha warns Pakistan’s military nerve centre is within India’s strike range

In a bold assertion of India’s military strength, Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, Director General of Army Air Defense, has stated that India possesses a formidable arsenal capable of striking not just along the border, but deep within Pakistani territory — including strategic military headquarters.

“We are absolutely capable from our borders or even in depth — we can take on the entire Pakistan,” said Lt Gen D’Cunha in an interview with ANI. Referring to Pakistan’s military nerve centre in Rawalpindi, he added, “The GHQ can move to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or wherever they want, but they’re all within range. They’ll have to really find a deep hole.”

The comments come in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a precision strike executed on May 7–8, targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border. D’Cunha’s remarks reinforced India’s capacity to launch surgical operations and defend against aerial threats with lethal precision.

Golden Temple drone threat thwarted

D’Cunha also highlighted how a looming threat to the Golden Temple was swiftly neutralized with full cooperation from temple authorities. “They allowed us to deploy guns, switched off the lights — giving us visual clarity to intercept incoming drones,” he said.

During a live demonstration in Amritsar, the Army displayed charred drone and missile debris, showcasing India’s upgraded L-70 Air Defense Guns and AKASH missile systems in action. These systems, he said, played a critical role in defending both heritage and civilian zones across Punjab from cross-border aerial incursions.

Operation Sindoor: The element of surprise

In response to political allegations surrounding Pakistan’s prior awareness of Operation Sindoor, Lt Gen D’Cunha emphasized that “surprise is the greatest element of any conflict.”

“We neutralized over a hundred terrorists at their respective camps — that speaks volumes about the success and secrecy of the operation,” he added, indirectly addressing Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s claim that Pakistan had advance knowledge.

Gandhi has doubled down on his criticism, accusing the government of silence and demanding transparency: “This wasn’t a lapse. It was a crime,” he said on Monday, calling for answers on the loss of Indian assets. The Ministry of External Affairs has since called his remarks “a misrepresentation of facts.”

India’s message: Tactical strength, strategic resolve

D’Cunha’s statements reflect the Indian Army’s confidence in its preparedness, both in deterring threats and responding decisively. In a geopolitical climate thick with tension, the message is clear: India’s defense posture is not only responsive — it’s ready, resolute, and far-reaching.