IPKF Soldiers of Operation Pawan Finally Recognized: Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh acknowledges IPKF sacrifices in Sri Lanka.
Photo by Sakarie Mustafe Hidig
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that soldiers of Operation Pawan are finally receiving due recognition, nearly four decades after India’s peacekeeping mission in Sri Lanka. Speaking on the 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day, Mr. Singh paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF).
He noted that their valor and sacrifices did not receive the respect they deserved at the time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid tribute to the fallen soldiers at the IPKF Memorial during his visit to Sri Lanka in 2015, and their contributions are now being recognized at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
Key Facts
Rajnath Singh acknowledges IPKF sacrifices in Sri Lanka
PM Modi paid tribute to IPKF Memorial in 2015
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: India and its neighborhood relations
GS Paper III: Security challenges and their management in border areas
Potential question types: Analyzing the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations, evaluating India's foreign policy decisions
Visual Insights
IPKF Operations in Sri Lanka
Map showing the areas of IPKF operations in Sri Lanka during 1987-1990. Highlights key regions where the IPKF was deployed and engaged in conflict.
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More Information
Background
The Indian Peace Keeping Force's (IPKF) involvement in Sri Lanka stemmed from the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987. This accord, signed by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and President J.R. Jayewardene, aimed to resolve the Sri Lankan Civil War, which had been raging between the Sri Lankan government and various Tamil militant groups, most notably the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
The accord sought to disarm these groups and establish a provincial council system with greater autonomy for Tamil-majority areas. The IPKF was deployed to enforce the disarmament, but quickly became embroiled in conflict with the LTTE, which refused to adhere to the agreement. The operation, initially intended as a peacekeeping mission, transformed into a full-fledged military intervention, lasting until 1990 and resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
The IPKF's presence was controversial in both India and Sri Lanka, and its withdrawal marked a turning point in India-Sri Lanka relations.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the sacrifices made by the IPKF soldiers, driven by veterans' groups and advocacy efforts. While the official narrative surrounding Operation Pawan remained somewhat muted for a long time, there's been a gradual shift towards acknowledging the complexities and the human cost of the mission. This includes efforts to document the experiences of veterans, provide better support services, and ensure their contributions are remembered.
Furthermore, academic research and public discourse have begun to re-evaluate the historical context and strategic implications of India's intervention in Sri Lanka, moving beyond simplistic narratives of success or failure. The current focus is on learning from the past and fostering stronger, more nuanced relationships with neighboring countries.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the context of Operation Pawan? 1. It was initiated solely to protect Indian citizens residing in Sri Lanka. 2. It emerged from the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987, aiming to resolve the Sri Lankan Civil War. 3. The primary objective was to militarily enforce a regime change in Sri Lanka. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 2 is correct. Operation Pawan was a direct consequence of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord. Statement 1 is incorrect as the primary aim was to resolve the civil war, not just protect Indian citizens. Statement 3 is also incorrect as the aim was not regime change.
2. Consider the following statements regarding the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE): 1. The LTTE was a Tamil militant organization that sought to create an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka. 2. The LTTE was a signatory to the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987. 3. The LTTE was designated as a terrorist organization by India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The LTTE aimed for an independent Tamil state and was designated as a terrorist organization. Statement 2 is incorrect; the LTTE did not sign the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord.
3. Assertion (A): The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) faced significant challenges during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. Reason (R): The LTTE, initially expected to disarm, resisted the IPKF's presence and engaged in armed conflict. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- C.A is true, but R is false.
- D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are correct, and the reason accurately explains why the IPKF faced challenges. The LTTE's resistance was a major factor.