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{{Short description|Military unit in the Sri Lankan Civil War}} | |||
{{Use British English|date=March 2013}} | {{Use British English|date=March 2013}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date= | {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}} | ||
{{Infobox military unit | {{Infobox military unit | ||
| unit_name = Indian Peace Keeping Force | | unit_name = Indian Peace Keeping Force | ||
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| battles = [[Operation Pawan]]<br>[[Operation Viraat]]<br>[[Operation Trishul]]<br>[[Operation Checkmate (Sri Lanka)|Operation Checkmate]] | | battles = [[Operation Pawan]]<br>[[Operation Viraat]]<br>[[Operation Trishul]]<br>[[Operation Checkmate (Sri Lanka)|Operation Checkmate]] | ||
| decorations = One [[Param Vir Chakra]]<br>Six [[Maha Vir Chakra]]s | | decorations = One [[Param Vir Chakra]]<br>Six [[Maha Vir Chakra]]s | ||
| notable_commanders = [[Lieutenant General]] [[Depinder Singh]]<br>Major General [[Harkirat Singh (general)|Harkirat Singh]] ([[General Officer Commanding]])<br>Lieutenant General S.C. Sardeshpande<br>Lieutenant General A. | | notable_commanders = [[Lieutenant General]] [[Depinder Singh]]<br>Major General [[Harkirat Singh (general)|Harkirat Singh]] ([[General Officer Commanding]])<br>Lieutenant General S.C. Sardeshpande<br>Lieutenant General A.S. Kalkat | ||
Cap.Shivkaran Alok Dubey(M.VrC) | Cap.Shivkaran Alok Dubey(M.VrC) | ||
Gp.Capt. M.P Premi] [[Vir Chakra|VrC]], | Gp.Capt. M.P Premi] [[Vir Chakra|VrC]], | ||
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| commander = | | commander = | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Indian Peace Keeping Force''' ('''IPKF''') was the [[Indian Armed Forces|Indian military]] contingent performing a [[peacekeeping]] operation in [[Sri Lanka]] between 1987 and 1990. It was formed under the mandate of the 1987 [[Indo-Sri Lankan Accord]] that aimed to end the [[Sri Lankan Civil War]] between | '''Indian Peace Keeping Force''' ('''IPKF''') was the [[Indian Armed Forces|Indian military]] contingent performing a [[peacekeeping]] operation in [[Sri Lanka]] between 1987 and 1990. It was formed under the mandate of the 1987 [[Indo-Sri Lankan Accord]] that aimed to end the [[Sri Lankan Civil War]] between [[Sri Lankan Tamil militant groups]] such as the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE) and the [[Sri Lanka Armed Forces|Sri Lankan military]].{{Ref|1}} | ||
The main task of the IPKF was to disarm the different militant groups, not just the LTTE. It was to be quickly followed by the formation of an Interim Administrative Council. These were the tasks as per the terms of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, signed at the behest of Indian Prime Minister [[Rajiv Gandhi]]. Given the escalation of the conflict in Sri Lanka, and with the pouring of refugees into India, Rajiv Gandhi took the decisive step to push this accord through. The IPKF was inducted into Sri Lanka on the request of Sri Lankan President [[J. R. Jayewardene]] under the terms of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord.<ref name=Hennayake/> | The main task of the IPKF was to disarm the different militant groups, not just the LTTE. It was to be quickly followed by the formation of an Interim Administrative Council. These were the tasks as per the terms of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, signed at the behest of Indian Prime Minister [[Rajiv Gandhi]]. Given the escalation of the conflict in Sri Lanka, and with the pouring of refugees into India, Rajiv Gandhi took the decisive step to push this accord through. The IPKF was inducted into Sri Lanka on the request of Sri Lankan President [[J. R. Jayewardene]] under the terms of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord.<ref name=Hennayake/> | ||
The force was initially not expected to be involved in any significant combat by the [[Indian Armed Forces#Organization and command structure|Indian High Command]].<ref name=dixitrediff/> However, within a few months, the IPKF became embroiled in battle with the LTTE to enforce peace. The war erupted following the death of 17 LTTE prisoners, including two areas commanders in the custody of the [[Sri Lankan Army]], which the LTTE blamed the IPKF for allowing to happen.<ref>University Teachers of Human Rights (Jaffna), Broken Palmyrah, Appendix II, http://www.uthr.org/BP/volume2/AppendixII.htm</ref> Soon, these differences led to the LTTE attacking the Sinhalese, at which point the IPKF decided to disarm the LTTE militants, by force if required. In the two years it was in northern Sri Lanka, the IPKF launched a number of combat operations aimed at destroying the LTTE-led insurgency. It soon escalated into repeated skirmishes between the IPKF and LTTE. Numerous [[Jaffna hospital massacre|civilian massacres]] and [[#Sexual_violence|rapes]] were committed by the IPKF during the conflict.<ref name="uthr.org">University Teachers of Human Rights (Jaffna), The Broken Palmyra, chapter 5 | The force was initially not expected to be involved in any significant combat by the [[Indian Armed Forces#Organization and command structure|Indian High Command]].<ref name=dixitrediff/> However, within a few months, the IPKF became embroiled in battle with the LTTE to enforce peace. The war erupted following the death of 17 LTTE prisoners, including two areas commanders in the custody of the [[Sri Lankan Army]], which the LTTE blamed the IPKF for allowing to happen.<ref>University Teachers of Human Rights (Jaffna), Broken Palmyrah, Appendix II, http://www.uthr.org/BP/volume2/AppendixII.htm</ref> Soon, these differences led to the LTTE attacking the Sinhalese, at which point the IPKF decided to disarm the LTTE militants, by force if required. In the two years it was in northern Sri Lanka, the IPKF launched a number of combat operations aimed at destroying the LTTE-led insurgency. It soon escalated into repeated skirmishes between the IPKF and LTTE. Numerous [[Jaffna hospital massacre|civilian massacres]] and [[#Sexual_violence|rapes]] were committed by the IPKF during the conflict.<ref name="uthr.org">University Teachers of Human Rights (Jaffna), The Broken Palmyra, chapter 5 – "NO MORE TEARS SISTER" THE EXPERIENCES OF WOMEN, War of October 1987 http://www.uthr.org/BP/volume2/Chapter5.htm</ref><ref name=CM>{{cite book | last=McDowell | first=Chris | title= A Tamil Asylum Diaspora: Sri Lankan Migration, Settlement and Politics in Switzerland (Studies in Forced Migration) | year=1996 | publisher= Berghahn Books |isbn=1-57181-917-7}} p.181</ref><ref name=UTHR>{{Cite document | last1 = Hoole | first1 = Ranjan | author1-link = Ranjan Hoole | last2 = Thiranagama | first2 = Ranjani | author2-link = Ranjani Thiranagama | title = The Broken Palmyra, the Tamil Crisis in Sri Lanka, An Inside Account | publisher = The Sri Lanka Studies Institute | year = 1992 | id = ASIN: B000OGS3MW | pages = 265–71}}</ref> Numerous soldiers of IPKF were killed by LTTE.<ref name="burden"/> | ||
The IPKF began withdrawing from Sri Lanka in 1989, on the orders of the newly elected Sri Lankan President [[Ranasinghe Premadasa]] and following the election of the [[V. P. Singh]] government in India.<ref name=dixitrediff/> The last IPKF contingents left Sri Lanka in March 1990. | The IPKF began withdrawing from Sri Lanka in 1989, on the orders of the newly elected Sri Lankan President [[Ranasinghe Premadasa]] and following the election of the [[V. P. Singh]] government in India.<ref name=dixitrediff/> The last IPKF contingents left Sri Lanka in March 1990. | ||
India's battle in Sri Lanka is often | India's battle in Sri Lanka is often called 'India's Vietnam' by international media, by way of comparison to American military involvement in the [[Vietnam War]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ozy.com/flashback/indias-vietnam-moment-the-ill-advised-war-that-ended-in-humiliation/81702|title=INDIA'S 'VIETNAM MOMENT': THE ILL-ADVISED WAR THAT ENDED IN HUMILIATION |website=ozy.com|date=15 December 2017|author=Charu Sudan Kasturi |access-date=2 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/indian-army-sri-lanka-ltte-liberation-tigers-of-tamil-eelam-jaffna-indian-peace-keeping-force-ipkf-in-fact-on-indian-military-decisions-of-today-shadow-of-a-pyrrhic-victory-yesterday-4887671/|title=On Indian military decisions of today, shadow of a pyrrhic victory yesterday|website=Indian Express|date=13 October 2017|author=Sushant Singh|access-date=2 August 2020}}</ref> | ||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
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The first round of civil violence flared in 1983 when the killing of [[Four Four Bravo|13 soldiers]] of the [[Sri Lanka Army]], sparked anti-Tamil [[pogrom]]s—the [[Black July]] riots—in which approximately 3000 Tamils were killed. The riots only aided in the deterioration of the ethnic relations. Militant factions, including the LTTE, at this time recruited in large numbers and continued building on popular Tamil dissent and stepped up the [[Guerrilla warfare|guerrilla war]]. By May 1985, the guerrillas were strong enough to launch an attack on [[Anuradhapura]], attacking the [[Sri Maha Bodhi|Bodhi Tree shrine]]–a sacred site for Buddhist Sinhalese–followed by a rampage through the town. At least 150 civilians died in the hour-long attack. | The first round of civil violence flared in 1983 when the killing of [[Four Four Bravo|13 soldiers]] of the [[Sri Lanka Army]], sparked anti-Tamil [[pogrom]]s—the [[Black July]] riots—in which approximately 3000 Tamils were killed. The riots only aided in the deterioration of the ethnic relations. Militant factions, including the LTTE, at this time recruited in large numbers and continued building on popular Tamil dissent and stepped up the [[Guerrilla warfare|guerrilla war]]. By May 1985, the guerrillas were strong enough to launch an attack on [[Anuradhapura]], attacking the [[Sri Maha Bodhi|Bodhi Tree shrine]]–a sacred site for Buddhist Sinhalese–followed by a rampage through the town. At least 150 civilians died in the hour-long attack. | ||
Rajiv Gandhi's government attempted to re-establish friendly relations with the various factions in Sri Lanka while maintaining diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the conflict as well as limiting overt aid to the Tamil militants.<ref name=Haggerty/><ref name=fo>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/irp/world/india/raw/|title=Research and Analysis Wing. Fas.org|work=Federation of American Scientists|access-date=26 November 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130422025807/http://www.fas.org/irp/world/india/raw/|archive-date=22 April 2013 | Rajiv Gandhi's government attempted to re-establish friendly relations with the various factions in Sri Lanka while maintaining diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the conflict as well as limiting overt aid to the Tamil militants.<ref name=Haggerty/><ref name=fo>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/irp/world/india/raw/|title=Research and Analysis Wing. Fas.org|work=Federation of American Scientists|access-date=26 November 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130422025807/http://www.fas.org/irp/world/india/raw/|archive-date=22 April 2013}}</ref> | ||
The Sri Lankan government, deducing a decline in support for the Tamil rebels from India, began rearming itself extensively for its anti-insurgent role with support from Pakistan, Israel, Singapore, and South Africa.<ref name=Haggerty/><ref name=Bobb>'''The Colombo Chill'''. Bobb D. ''[[India Today]]''. 31 March 1986. p. 95.</ref> In 1986, the campaign against the insurgency was stepped up. In 1987, retaliating against an increasingly bloody insurgent movement, the [[Vadamarachchi Operation]] (Operation Liberation) was launched against LTTE strongholds in Jaffna Peninsula. The operation involved nearly | The Sri Lankan government, deducing a decline in support for the Tamil rebels from India, began rearming itself extensively for its anti-insurgent role with support from Pakistan, Israel, Singapore, and South Africa.<ref name=Haggerty/><ref name=Bobb>'''The Colombo Chill'''. Bobb D. ''[[India Today]]''. 31 March 1986. p. 95.</ref> In 1986, the campaign against the insurgency was stepped up. In 1987, retaliating against an increasingly bloody insurgent movement, the [[Vadamarachchi Operation]] (Operation Liberation) was launched against LTTE strongholds in Jaffna Peninsula. The operation involved nearly 10,000 troops, supported by [[Attack helicopter|helicopter gunships]] as well as [[ground-attack aircraft]].<ref name=Haggerty/> In June 1987, the Sri Lankan Army laid siege on the town of [[Jaffna]].<ref name=NYT>[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9B0DE0D8173FF936A35755C0A961948260&n=Top%2fNews%2fWorld%2fCountries%20and%20Territories%2fIndia India Airlifts Aid to Tamil Rebels"], ''[[The New York Times]]''. 5 June 1987</ref> This resulted in large-scale civilian casualties and created a condition of [[humanitarian crisis]].<ref name=BS>[http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/History/1987/Chapter02.html "Operation Poomalai – India Intervenes" Bharat-rakshak.com] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060907053333/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/History/1987/Chapter02.html |date=7 September 2006 }}</ref> India, which had a substantial Tamil population in [[South India]] faced the prospect of a Tamil backlash at home, called on the Sri Lankan government to halt the offensive in an attempt to negotiate a political settlement. However, the Indian efforts were unheeded. Added to this, in the growing involvement of Pakistani advisers, it was necessary for Indian interest to mount a show of force.<ref name=Haggerty/> Failing to negotiate an end to the crisis with Sri Lanka, India announced on 2 June 1987 that it wound send a convoy of unarmed ships to northern Sri Lanka to provide humanitarian assistance<ref name= NYT1>"Indians To Send convoy to Sri Lanka", ''[[The New York Times]]''. 2 June 1987</ref> but this was intercepted by the Sri Lankan Navy and forced to turned back.<ref name=NYT2>"Indian Flotilla is turned back by Sri Lankan Naval Vessels," ''[[The New York Times]]''. 4 June 1987</ref> | ||
Following the failure of the naval mission the decision was made by the Indian government to mount an airdrop of relief supplies in aid of the beleaguered civilians over the besieged city of [[Jaffna]]. On 4 June 1987, in a bid to provide relief, the [[Indian Air Force]] mounted [[Operation Poomalai]]. Five [[Antonov An-32]]s under [[Fighter aircraft|fighter]] cover flew over Jaffna to airdrop 25 tons of supplies, all the time keeping well within the range of Sri Lankan radar coverage. At the same time the Sri Lankan Ambassador to New Delhi, [[Bernard Tilakaratna]], was summoned to the Foreign Office to be informed by the [[Indian Foreign Minister|Minister of State, External Affairs]], [[K. Natwar Singh]], of the ongoing operation and also indicated that the operation was expected not to be hindered by the [[Sri Lankan Air Force]]. The ultimate aim of the operation was both to demonstrate the seriousness of the domestic Tamil concern for the civilian Tamil population and reaffirming the Indian option of active intervention to the Sri Lankan government.<ref name=BS/> | Following the failure of the naval mission the decision was made by the Indian government to mount an airdrop of relief supplies in aid of the beleaguered civilians over the besieged city of [[Jaffna]]. On 4 June 1987, in a bid to provide relief, the [[Indian Air Force]] mounted [[Operation Poomalai]]. Five [[Antonov An-32]]s under [[Fighter aircraft|fighter]] cover flew over Jaffna to airdrop 25 tons of supplies, all the time keeping well within the range of Sri Lankan radar coverage. At the same time the Sri Lankan Ambassador to New Delhi, [[Bernard Tilakaratna]], was summoned to the Foreign Office to be informed by the [[Indian Foreign Minister|Minister of State, External Affairs]], [[K. Natwar Singh]], of the ongoing operation and also indicated that the operation was expected not to be hindered by the [[Sri Lankan Air Force]]. The ultimate aim of the operation was both to demonstrate the seriousness of the domestic Tamil concern for the civilian Tamil population and reaffirming the Indian option of active intervention to the Sri Lankan government.<ref name=BS/> | ||
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===Indian Army=== | ===Indian Army=== | ||
The first [[Indian Army]] troops to be | The first [[Indian Army]] troops to be deployed to Sri Lanka were a ten thousand strong force from the [[54th Infantry Division (India)|54th Infantry Division]] commanded by [[Major General]] [[Harkirat Singh (general)|Harkirat Singh]], which flew into [[Jaffna Airport|Palali Airbase]] from 30 July onwards.<ref name=rediffstory>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2000/may/22lanka.htm|title='''Sri Lanka- war without end, peace without hope.''' Colonel(retd) A A Athale|access-date=26 November 2014}}</ref> This was followed later by the 36th Infantry Division. | ||
By 1987, the IPKF consisted of:<ref name=BS/> | By 1987, the IPKF consisted of:<ref name=BS/> | ||
* '''[[54th Infantry Division (India)| | * '''[[54th Infantry Division (India)|54 Infantry Division]]''' | ||
** 10th Battalion, [[Parachute Regiment (India)|Parachute Regiment]] ([[Para (Special Forces)|Special Forces]]) | ** 10th Battalion, [[Parachute Regiment (India)|Parachute Regiment]] ([[Para (Special Forces)|Special Forces]]) | ||
** [[65th Armoured Regiment (India)|65 Armoured Regiment]] | ** [[65th Armoured Regiment (India)|65 Armoured Regiment]], equipped with [[T-72]] tanks.<ref name="65 Armd Regt APO Postal Cover">{{cite web |url=https://www.philamart.com/Listing/Details/3065177/65-Armoured-RegimentIndian-Army-Postal-Cover-APO|title= 65 Armoured Regiment-Indian Army Postal Cover (APO)|access-date=2020-11-28}}</ref> | ||
** 6th Battalion, [[Brigade of the Guards]] | ** 6th Battalion, [[Brigade of the Guards]] | ||
** 91 Infantry Brigade | ** 91 Infantry Brigade | ||
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*** 1st Battalion, [[Maratha Light Infantry]] | *** 1st Battalion, [[Maratha Light Infantry]] | ||
** 76 Infantry Brigade | ** 76 Infantry Brigade | ||
*** 12th Battalion, Garhwal | *** 12th Battalion, [[Garhwal Rifles]] | ||
*** 2nd Battalion, Maratha Light Infantry | *** 2nd Battalion, Maratha Light Infantry | ||
*** 25th Battalion, Rajput Regiment | *** 25th Battalion, [[Rajput Regiment]] | ||
** 47 Infantry Brigade | ** 47 Infantry Brigade | ||
*** 11th Battalion, Madras Regiment | *** 11th Battalion, Madras Regiment | ||
*** 5th Battalion, Maratha Light Infantry | *** 5th Battalion, Maratha Light Infantry | ||
*** 14th Battalion, Sikh Light Infantry | *** 14th Battalion, [[Sikh Light Infantry]] | ||
* '''36 Infantry Division'''{{Citation needed|date=August 2012}} | * '''36 Infantry Division'''{{Citation needed|date=August 2012}} | ||
** 115 Infantry Brigade | ** 115 Infantry Brigade | ||
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** 72 Infantry Brigade | ** 72 Infantry Brigade | ||
*** 4th Battalion, [[5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force)]]. | *** 4th Battalion, [[5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force)]]. | ||
*** 13th Battalion, | *** 13th Battalion, Sikh Light Infantry | ||
** 41 Infantry Brigade | ** 41 Infantry Brigade | ||
*** 5th Battalion, [[Rajputana Rifles]] | *** 5th Battalion, [[Rajputana Rifles]] | ||
* ''' | * '''57 Infantry Division''' | ||
* '''4th Mountain Division''' | * '''[[4th Infantry Division (India)|4 Mountain Division]]''' | ||
* Independent Units | *'''Independent Units''' | ||
** 340 Independent Infantry Brigade (Amphibious) | ** 340 Independent Infantry Brigade (Amphibious) | ||
***1 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (later part of 57 Inf Div) | ***1 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (later part of 57 Inf Div) | ||
***26 | ***26 Punjab | ||
***25 Madras | ***25 Madras | ||
***3 | ***3 Punjab | ||
** 18 Infantry Brigade | ** 18 Infantry Brigade | ||
*** 4th Battalion, Mahar Regiment | *** 4th Battalion, [[Mahar Regiment]] | ||
*** 12th Battalion, Grenadiers | *** 12th Battalion, Grenadiers | ||
** 5th Battalion, Parachute Regiment | ** 5th Battalion, Parachute Regiment | ||
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** 15th Battalion Mechanised Infantry Regiment | ** 15th Battalion Mechanised Infantry Regiment | ||
** 25th Battalion Mechanised Infantry Regiment | ** 25th Battalion Mechanised Infantry Regiment | ||
** 17 Parachute Field Regiment | ** [[17 (Parachute) Field Regiment (India)|17 Parachute Field Regiment]] | ||
** 831 Light Regiment | ** 831 Light Regiment | ||
** 8 Engineer Regiment | ** 8 Engineer Regiment | ||
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===Indian Air Force=== | ===Indian Air Force=== | ||
Soon after its intervention in Sri Lanka and especially after the confrontation with the LTTE, the IPKF received a substantial | Soon after its intervention in Sri Lanka and especially after the confrontation with the LTTE, the IPKF received a substantial | ||
commitment from the [[Indian Air Force]], mainly transport and helicopter squadrons under the command of Gp.Capt. M.P Premi, including:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1987IPKF/Pushpindar01.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2007-12-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070918231736/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1987IPKF/Pushpindar01.html |archive-date=18 September 2007 | commitment from the [[Indian Air Force]], mainly transport and helicopter squadrons under the command of Gp.Capt. M.P Premi, including:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1987IPKF/Pushpindar01.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2007-12-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070918231736/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1987IPKF/Pushpindar01.html |archive-date=18 September 2007 }} The Indian Air Force in Sri Lanka</ref> | ||
* No. 33 Squadron- [[Antonov An-32]]s | * No. 33 Squadron- [[Antonov An-32]]s | ||
* No 109 and No. 119 Helicopter Units – [[Mil Mi-8]] helicopters. | * No 109 and No. 119 Helicopter Units – [[Mil Mi-8]] helicopters. | ||
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** No. 321 Squadron of the [[Indian Navy]]- HAL Chetaks | ** No. 321 Squadron of the [[Indian Navy]]- HAL Chetaks | ||
** No. 310 Squadron of the Indian Navy- [[Breguet Alizé]] | ** No. 310 Squadron of the Indian Navy- [[Breguet Alizé]] | ||
* [[MARCOS (India)|MARCOS]] (also the Marine Commando Force or MCF) – Took part in [[Operation Pawan]] (Hindi, "wind") in 1987 and in the raid on an LTTE base at [[Gurunagar]]. MARCOS operators (including Lt Singh) boarded two Gemini rafts off the coast of Jaffna City and towed two wooden rafts of explosives into a channel leading to the city's Guru Nagar Jetty. Avoiding mines, eight men and two officers shifted to the wooden rafts and paddled to the jetty then fixed demolition charges to the jetty and LTTE speedboats. The commandos were detected but laid down suppressive fire and detonated the explosives before retreating to the Geminis without taking casualties. Two nights later, commandos swam back into the harbour amidst heavy patrolling by the LTTE to destroy the remaining speedboats. They were again detected and sustained minor injuries. These actions helped recapture Trincomalee and Jaffna harbours from the LTTE. For leading these actions, the 30-year-old Lieutenant Arvind Singh became the youngest officer to receive the [[Maha Vir Chakra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/arvind-singh|title=Arvind Singh MVC | * [[MARCOS (India)|MARCOS]] (also the Marine Commando Force or MCF) – Took part in [[Operation Pawan]] (Hindi, "wind") in 1987 and in the raid on an LTTE base at [[Gurunagar]]. MARCOS operators (including Lt Singh) boarded two Gemini rafts off the coast of Jaffna City and towed two wooden rafts of explosives into a channel leading to the city's Guru Nagar Jetty. Avoiding mines, eight men and two officers shifted to the wooden rafts and paddled to the jetty then fixed demolition charges to the jetty and LTTE speedboats. The commandos were detected but laid down suppressive fire and detonated the explosives before retreating to the Geminis without taking casualties. Two nights later, commandos swam back into the harbour amidst heavy patrolling by the LTTE to destroy the remaining speedboats. They were again detected and sustained minor injuries. These actions helped recapture Trincomalee and Jaffna harbours from the LTTE. For leading these actions, the 30-year-old Lieutenant Arvind Singh became the youngest officer to receive the [[Maha Vir Chakra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/arvind-singh|title=Arvind Singh MVC|access-date=2021-01-03}}</ref> | ||
===Indian paramilitary forces=== | ===Indian paramilitary forces=== | ||
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==Analysis== | ==Analysis== | ||
===Casualties=== | ===Casualties=== | ||
In December 1999, Defence Minister George Fernandes disclosed the IPKF had suffered 1,165 personnel killed in action with 3,009 others wounded.<ref name="burden">{{cite web|title=Economic Burden by Sending IPKF in Sri Lanka|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1999-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1999-12-15_300.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India | In December 1999, Defence Minister George Fernandes disclosed the IPKF had suffered 1,165 personnel killed in action with 3,009 others wounded.<ref name="burden">{{cite web|title=Economic Burden by Sending IPKF in Sri Lanka|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1999-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1999-12-15_300.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|date=15 December 1999|access-date=15 April 2020}}</ref> The LTTE casualties are not known. | ||
===Intelligence | ===Intelligence failures=== | ||
The Indian intelligence agencies failed to consistently provide accurate information to | The Indian intelligence agencies failed to consistently provide accurate information to Indian forces. One example is the [[Jaffna football ground massacre]]. The LTTE's [[disinformation]] machinery leaked fake information to the Indian army that the LTTE leader [[Velupillai Prabhakaran]] was hiding in a building near the Jaffna university football ground.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}} A major operational plan was chalked out by the Indian generals to capture him alive. The plan involved airdropping commandos on the ground, while tank formations would move to surround the area, to prevent anyone from the stadium and its surrounding buildings to escape. | ||
However, when the plan was executed, the Indian troops came under heavy attack from hidden LTTE sharpshooters. the tanks moving on the ground were ensnared by anti-tank mines placed by the LTTE militants. This resulted in heavy losses for the Indian side.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}} According to later accounts, the LTTE leader, Prabhakaran was not in the area at the time of the operation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atimes.com/ind-pak/DF08Df01.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020802170437/http://www.atimes.com/ind-pak/DF08Df01.html|url-status=unfit|archive-date=2002-08-02|title=Asia Times: India/Pakistan|website= | However, when the plan was executed, the Indian troops came under heavy attack from hidden LTTE sharpshooters. the tanks moving on the ground were ensnared by anti-tank mines placed by the LTTE militants. This resulted in heavy losses for the Indian side.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}} According to later accounts, the LTTE leader, Prabhakaran was not in the area at the time of the operation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atimes.com/ind-pak/DF08Df01.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020802170437/http://www.atimes.com/ind-pak/DF08Df01.html|url-status=unfit|archive-date=2002-08-02|title=Asia Times: India/Pakistan|website=atimes.com}}</ref> | ||
The IPKF complained that accurate maps of the operational theaters were not made available to them by the various intelligence agencies.{{Citation needed|date=July 2010}} | The IPKF complained that accurate maps of the operational theaters were not made available to them by the various intelligence agencies.{{Citation needed|date=July 2010}} | ||
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==Impact== | ==Impact== | ||
The IPKF mission while having gained tactical successes, did not succeed in its intended goals. The primary impact of the IPKF, has been that it shaped India's [[ | The IPKF mission while having gained tactical successes, did not succeed in its intended goals. The primary impact of the IPKF, has been that it shaped India's [[counterinsurgency]] techniques and military doctrine. The political fallout, the IPKF casualties, as well as the deterioration of international relations has shaped India's foreign policy towards the Sri Lankan conflict. | ||
===Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi=== | ===Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi=== | ||
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===India's foreign policy=== | ===India's foreign policy=== | ||
The IPKF intervention in Sri Lanka is raised at times in Indian political discourse whenever the situation in Sri Lanka shows signs of deterioration or, more broadly, when other foreign nations, ought to have a role in promoting peace on the island nation. India has never been directly involved in the peace talks between the LTTE and Sri Lanka but has supported Norway's efforts. As a result, relations between India and Sri Lanka became extremely sour. No defence pact has been signed between India and Sri Lanka even though India reaffirmed its strong defence cooperation with Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite | The IPKF intervention in Sri Lanka is raised at times in Indian political discourse whenever the situation in Sri Lanka shows signs of deterioration or, more broadly, when other foreign nations, ought to have a role in promoting peace on the island nation. India has never been directly involved in the peace talks between the LTTE and Sri Lanka but has supported Norway's efforts. As a result, relations between India and Sri Lanka became extremely sour. No defence pact has been signed between India and Sri Lanka even though India reaffirmed its strong defence cooperation with Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Srinivasan|first=Meera|date=5 March 2021|title=India reaffirms defence ties at SLAF 70th year event|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-reaffirms-defence-ties-at-slaf-70th-year-event/article33999321.ece|url-status=live|access-date=11 June 2021|website=The Hindu}}</ref> | ||
==Controversies== | ==Controversies== | ||
The IPKF role in the Sri Lankan conflict was criticised by voices both there and at home at the time. It was engaged in a number of incidents of human rights violation, including rapes and massacre of civilians. Even some neutral organisations pointed out that Indian Army | The IPKF role in the Sri Lankan conflict was criticised by voices both there and at home at the time. It was engaged in a number of incidents of human rights violation, including rapes and massacre of civilians. Even some neutral organisations pointed out that Indian Army engaged with scant regard for civilian safety and violated human rights. This led to considerable outcry and public resentment within Sri Lanka as well as India, especially in [[Tamil Nadu]], where the IPKF was viewed as an invading and oppressing force. | ||
Indian forces indulged in a number of civilian massacres, [[ | Indian forces indulged in a number of civilian massacres, [[involuntary disappearances]] and rapes during their time in the [[Northeastern province of Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://nesohr.org/inception-sept2007/human-rights-reports/StatisticsOnCiviliansAffectedByWar.pdf|title= Statistics on civilians affected by war from 1974 – 2004|access-date= 2008-11-15|work= NESOHR|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090225211013/http://nesohr.org/inception-sept2007/human-rights-reports/StatisticsOnCiviliansAffectedByWar.pdf|archive-date= 25 February 2009|url-status= dead}}</ref><ref name=CM/> These include complicity in the incidents such as [[1989 Valvettithurai massacre|Valvettithurai massacre]] in which on | ||
2, 3, and 4 August 1989 over 50 Tamils were massacred by the Indian Peace Keeping Force in [[Valvettiturai|Valvettithurai]], Jaffna. In addition to the killings over 100 homes, shops and other property were also burnt and destroyed.<ref>{{cite news | last = Sebastian | first = Rita | title = Massacre at Point Pedro | pages = 8–9 | work = The Indian Express | date = 24 August 1989 }}</ref> | 2, 3, and 4 August 1989 over 50 Tamils were massacred by the Indian Peace Keeping Force in [[Valvettiturai|Valvettithurai]], Jaffna. In addition to the killings over 100 homes, shops and other property were also burnt and destroyed.<ref>{{cite news | last = Sebastian | first = Rita | title = Massacre at Point Pedro | pages = 8–9 | work = The Indian Express | date = 24 August 1989 }}</ref> | ||
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===Sexual violence=== | ===Sexual violence=== | ||
From October 1987, the IPKF commenced war on the [[LTTE]] in order to disarm them. During this conflict, the IPKF raped thousands of Tamil women.<ref>Tamil Centre for Human Rights | From October 1987, the IPKF commenced war on the [[LTTE]] in order to disarm them. During this conflict, the IPKF raped thousands of Tamil women.<ref>Tamil Centre for Human Rights – Recorded figures of Arrests, Killings, Disappearances, Rapes, Displacements and Injuries to Tamils in the North East, Colombo and other regions (1956-2004) http://tchr.net/50_year_arrest_kill.htm</ref> One IPKF official excused these rapes by stating the following: "I agree that rape is a heinous crime. But my dear, all wars have them. There are psychological reasons for them such as battle fatigue."<ref name="uthr.org"/> | ||
=== 1987 === | ==== 1987 ==== | ||
* On 6 November 1987, at about 7:30am the IPKF committed a massacre of Tamil civilians in Jaffna to avenge the loss of their comrades. One witness saw both his two daughters being stripped naked below the waist by [[Hindi]] speaking soldiers. The girls were both crying and begging for mercy. The soldiers then separated their legs and shot them through their genitals, keeping the rifle barrel between the thighs. The witness closed his eyes and played dead during the shooting. He also heard the two daughters of another man also being shot through the genitals. 10 Tamil civilians were killed in total during this massacre, including infants.<ref>At the hands of the IPFK – savagery beyond belief – Tamil Times, April 1988, p11</ref> | * On 6 November 1987, at about 7:30am the IPKF committed a massacre of Tamil civilians in Jaffna to avenge the loss of their comrades. One witness saw both his two daughters being stripped naked below the waist by [[Hindi]] speaking soldiers. The girls were both crying and begging for mercy. The soldiers then separated their legs and shot them through their genitals, keeping the rifle barrel between the thighs. The witness closed his eyes and played dead during the shooting. He also heard the two daughters of another man also being shot through the genitals. 10 Tamil civilians were killed in total during this massacre, including infants.<ref>At the hands of the IPFK – savagery beyond belief – Tamil Times, April 1988, p11</ref> | ||
* On 12 November 1987, at about 8am in [[Jaffna]], three IPKF soldiers gang raped a Tamil mother in her mid 30s in her own home. Her husband was working abroad at the time. They also stole her gold jewellery. The victim reported suffering from nightmares following the attack and was haunted by the soldiers' faces and voices. She could still remember their beady eyes. She visited a psychiatrist who gave her drugs to quieten her down.<ref name="uthr.org"/> | * On 12 November 1987, at about 8am in [[Jaffna]], three IPKF soldiers gang raped a Tamil mother in her mid 30s in her own home. Her husband was working abroad at the time. They also stole her gold jewellery. The victim reported suffering from nightmares following the attack and was haunted by the soldiers' faces and voices. She could still remember their beady eyes. She visited a psychiatrist who gave her drugs to quieten her down.<ref name="uthr.org"/> | ||
* The IPKF also raped a 13 year old Tamil girl from a middle class family in a house that had once been a [[LTTE|Tiger]] camp. The family and child fled to Colombo after the rape.<ref name="uthr.org"/> | * The IPKF also raped a 13 year old Tamil girl from a middle-class family in a house that had once been a [[LTTE|Tiger]] camp. The family and child fled to Colombo after the rape.<ref name="uthr.org"/> | ||
* On 16 November 1987, two IPKF soldiers raped a young Tamil girl in her home, after separating her from her parents. She bled after the rape and then jumped into the family well in desperation.<ref name="uthr.org"/> | * On 16 November 1987, two IPKF soldiers raped a young Tamil girl in her home, after separating her from her parents. She bled after the rape and then jumped into the family well in desperation.<ref name="uthr.org"/> | ||
* On 18 November 1987, between 2-3pm, two IPKF soldiers raped a widow (55) and a 22 year old woman in a poor [[Catholic]] area of [[Jaffna]]. The younger girl was able to free herself after being raped, and ran down the road screaming. She cried out "they have spoilt me".<ref name="uthr.org"/> | * On 18 November 1987, between 2-3pm, two IPKF soldiers raped a widow (55) and a 22-year-old woman in a poor [[Catholic]] area of [[Jaffna]]. The younger girl was able to free herself after being raped, and ran down the road screaming. She cried out "they have spoilt me".<ref name="uthr.org"/> | ||
* On December | * On 17 December 1987, Sepoy Karnail Singh of 14 Sikh light infantry of the IPKF faced dismissal and one year's imprisonment for raping a Tamil woman from the village of Idaikkurichy. Similar punishment was given to A. Mani, the barber of 93 Field Regiment for raping an unmarried woman near [[Kodikamam]] on 24 December 1987.<ref name="Sunday Observer 1989, p15">Kanwar Sandhu – IPKF men face court martial – charges include murder, rape, loot – Sunday Observer, Bombay, 18-24.12.88 – reproduced in Tamil Times, January 1989, p15</ref> | ||
* On December | * On 19 December 1987, at 11:30am, two Tamil women were raped in [[Jaffna]] by the IPKF. The younger woman was aged 25. The two women were taken into two separate rooms and raped. The IPKF soldiers left once the neighbours arrived en masse to the house, alerted by the dogs barking fiercely.<ref name="uthr.org"/> | ||
* On December | * On 23 December 1987, an educated 18 year old Tamil virgin from a poor labourer family was gang raped by two IPKF soldiers in succession. The previous day the soldiers had come and stolen chickens from their garden.<ref name="uthr.org"/> | ||
* Nail Banwari Lal and rifleman Gugan Ram of 18 Garhwal Rifles faced dismissal and 6 months' imprisonment each for trying to rape married women at Kaithadi on December | * Nail Banwari Lal and rifleman Gugan Ram of 18 Garhwal Rifles faced dismissal and 6 months' imprisonment each for trying to rape married women at Kaithadi on 25 December 1987.<ref name="Sunday Observer 1989, p15"/> | ||
* In 1987, when Tamil journalist Mr A.Lokeesan was 6 years old, he heard a Tamil woman screaming in a paddy field as she was being raped by [[IPKF]] soldiers.<ref>Frances Harrison (2012), Still Counting the Dead: Survivors of Sri Lanka's Hidden War, Portobello books, p.122</ref> | * In 1987, when Tamil journalist Mr A.Lokeesan was 6 years old, he heard a Tamil woman screaming in a paddy field as she was being raped by [[IPKF]] soldiers.<ref>Frances Harrison (2012), Still Counting the Dead: Survivors of Sri Lanka's Hidden War, Portobello books, p.122</ref> | ||
* Karunaharen, a 16-year old Tamil boy was stopped along with his sister by IPKF soldiers. His sister was then taken into a house by the soldiers, where he heard her scream. He ran to the window and witnessed her being raped and then killed by the IPKF soldiers. He ran back to his home in terror. His parents later bought him a ticket to Canada, fearing for this safety. On his way to Canada, he was stopped at Seattle, taken off the plane and put in a detention centre with a criminal gang from Seattle. The gang members then beat and gang raped him. A sympathetic prison guard then handed him over to a Tamil lawyer living in Seattle.<ref>Tamil Times, 15 April 2001 – Peace and suffering, p21</ref> | |||
=== 1988 === | ==== 1988 ==== | ||
* On 25 January 1988, the body of a 30 year old Tamil woman was found in a well. She had committed suicide after being raped by IPKF soldiers who had visited her house. The postmortem found clear evidence of rape, with lacerations to her vagina and bruises on the labia.<ref name="uthr.org"/> | * On 25 January 1988, the body of a 30 year old Tamil woman was found in a well. She had committed suicide after being raped by IPKF soldiers who had visited her house. The postmortem found clear evidence of rape, with lacerations to her vagina and bruises on the labia.<ref name="uthr.org"/> | ||
* On 29 January 1988, at 12:10pm, a 22 year old Tamil student was raped by 4 IPKF soldiers behind the bushes, after they separated her from her semi-blind father near a temple in [[Jaffna]].<ref name="uthr.org"/> | * On 29 January 1988, at 12:10pm, a 22 year old Tamil student was raped by 4 IPKF soldiers behind the bushes, after they separated her from her semi-blind father near a temple in [[Jaffna]].<ref name="uthr.org"/> | ||
* Havildar Badan Singh of the IPKF committed [[sodomy]] against 4 male activists of the LTTE during their detention at Jaffna fort in January–February 1988.<ref name="Sunday Observer 1989, p15"/> | * Havildar Badan Singh of the IPKF committed [[sodomy]] against 4 male activists of the LTTE during their detention at Jaffna fort in January–February 1988.<ref name="Sunday Observer 1989, p15"/> | ||
* On February | * On 1 February 1988, an IPKF soldier of 12 Grenadiers – Khem Raj Meena – faced imprisonment and dismissal from service for attempting to rape another married Tamil woman at Thunnalai south, [[Point Pedro]].<ref name="Sunday Observer 1989, p15"/> | ||
* On May | * On 27 May 1988, two IPKF soldiers, Latur Lal and Babu Lal of 12 Grenadiers, faced a year's imprisonment and dismissal from service for raping a married Tamil woman at [[Karaveddy]] during Operation Pawan.<ref name="Sunday Observer 1989, p15"/> | ||
* On November | * On 15 November 1988, 6 members of the IPKF raped 7 Tamil women in Jaffna. The victims of rape were Mrs. Sushila Veerasingam, Miss Manjulu Nadarajah, Miss Mala Asaipillai, Miss Rani Subramaniam, Miss Rajani Subramaniam, Miss Thayalini Sundaram and Miss Syamala Rajaratnam.<ref>Action taken against 6 IPFK offenders – Tamil Times, January 1988, p3</ref> | ||
* Amnesty International reported an increasing number of allegations that IPKF personnel had raped Tamil women. Several dozen Tamil women have testified on oath that they were raped by IPKF personnel, for example in Kondavil East in the north and in Sathurkodanan and Morakkadanchenai villages in the east.<ref>Amnesty International on human rights violations before and after the Indo-Sri Lanka accord | * Amnesty International reported an increasing number of allegations that IPKF personnel had raped Tamil women. Several dozen Tamil women have testified on oath that they were raped by IPKF personnel, for example in Kondavil East in the north and in Sathurkodanan and Morakkadanchenai villages in the east.<ref>Amnesty International on human rights violations before and after the Indo-Sri Lanka accord – Tamil Times, June 1988, p6-7</ref> | ||
==War Memorial== | ==War Memorial== | ||
The Sri Lankan government had mooted the idea of a war memorial to those soldiers of the IPKF who lost their lives during the peacekeeping mission, in the early Nineties during [[Ranasinge Premadasa|President Premadasa]]'s rule. The memorial was finally constructed in [[Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte]] [http://goo.gl/maps/gOqoz] on the outskirts of Colombo in 2008. The names of the 1200 soldiers who died are inscribed on black marble. The first official memorial service was held on 15 August 2010 when the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, | The Sri Lankan government had mooted the idea of a war memorial to those soldiers of the IPKF who lost their lives during the peacekeeping mission, in the early Nineties during [[Ranasinge Premadasa|President Premadasa]]'s rule. The memorial was finally constructed in [[Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte]] [http://goo.gl/maps/gOqoz] on the outskirts of Colombo in 2008. The names of the 1200 soldiers who died are inscribed on black marble. The first official memorial service was held on 15 August 2010 when the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Ashok Kantha, laid a wreath to honour the dead. The absence of a representative of the Sri Lankan government has been criticised by Indian ex-servicemen who had served in the conflict.<ref>{{aut|Patranobis, Sutirtho}}. [http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Y5Gqru1cO1kJ:www.hindustantimes.com/At-IPKF-memorial-India-finally-pays-homage/Article1-587232.aspx ''At IPKF Memorial, India finally pays homage''.]{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''Hindustan Times'', 15 Aug 2010, Colombo. Retrieved 17 August 2010.</ref> Later in 2014, India constructed a war memorial at Bhopal to honour the IPKF.<ref>''The Times of India'', 24 Feb 2014, Southern Command chief inaugurates IPKF war memorial https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Southern-Command-chief-inaugurates-IPKF-war-memorial/articleshow/31118906.cms</ref> | ||
A renovated memorial for IPKF soldiers in Palaly, Jaffna, has been declared open in June 2015. The names of 33 who died in the operations in the Northern Province during 1987–1990 have been inscribed on a wall at the memorial site.<ref>"Renovated memorial for IPKF soldiers"http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/renovated-memorial-for-ipkf-soldiers/article7298952.ece</ref> | A renovated memorial for IPKF soldiers in Palaly, Jaffna, has been declared open in June 2015. The names of 33 who died in the operations in the Northern Province during 1987–1990 have been inscribed on a wall at the memorial site.<ref>"Renovated memorial for IPKF soldiers"http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/renovated-memorial-for-ipkf-soldiers/article7298952.ece</ref> | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist | {{Reflist}} | ||
===Notes and Further reading=== | ===Notes and Further reading=== | ||