Former Union Minister P. Chidambaram recently commented that Operation Blue Star, the 1984 military operation at the Golden Temple, was not the optimal approach for apprehending militants. Speaking during a book launch at the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, Mr. Chidambaram noted that although alternative methods existed, the chosen strategy had severe consequences, including the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The Congress leader characterized the operational failures as a cumulative decision-making process involving the Army, intelligence agencies, police, and civil defense, rather than solely blaming Mrs. Gandhi.
Operation Blue Star was conducted between June 1 and 10, 1984, with the aim of removing Damdami Taksal leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, a revered Sikh holy site. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated later that year.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/chidambaram-says-operation-blue-star-was-a-mistake/article70154647.ece