In a recent discussion at the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival, former Home Minister P. Chidambaram expressed his views on Operation Blue Star, stating that the military operation in June 1984 to remove militants from the Golden Temple was a misguided approach that ultimately led to the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He emphasized that while her decision was crucial, the responsibility lay with a collective failure involving the Army, intelligence, police, and civil defense. Chidambaram’s remarks highlight the complexities of military operations and the long-lasting implications of state actions on national politics, reflecting the need for strategic reassessment in handling insurgencies. This historical reflection is significant as it prompts a reevaluation of military tactics in contemporary security challenges faced by India.