Operation Pawan – Tribute to IPKF Bravery and Sacrifice

The year 2025 marks the 38th anniversary of Operation Pawan, military campaign by the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, honoured the 1,171 soldiers who sacrificed their lives during this operation. The university’s event included felicitation of war veterans and Veer Naris, recognising their courage and contribution to India’s regional peace efforts.

Background of Operation Pawan

Operation Pawan began on 10 October 1987, following the India-Sri Lanka Agreement signed on 29 July 1987. The agreement aimed to end ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka by deploying the IPKF to enforce peace between the Sri Lankan Government and Tamil militants. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) opposed the accord and refused to disarm, leading to open hostilities with the IPKF.

Military Action and Challenges

The operation commenced with a heliborne assault to capture the LTTE headquarters at Jaffna University. The mission faced strong resistance due to leaked information and resulted in nearly 50 Indian soldiers killed in action. Despite limited resources, Indian troops fought bravely and were eventually rescued by reinforcements. The operation earned numerous gallantry awards, including 13 Vir Chakras and other decorations.

Expansion and Scale of Operation

Operation Pawan evolved into India’s largest overseas military campaign lasting until March 1990. The initial 54 Infantry Division was supplemented by three more divisions deployed across northern and eastern Sri Lanka. The IPKF grew into a corps-sized force of nearly 100,000 personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, conducting joint operations to stabilise the region.

Human Cost and Recognition

The operation’s toll was heavy, with 1,171 soldiers killed and over 3,500 wounded. Families endured deep loss and hardship. Despite the sacrifices, official recognition in India remains limited compared to other conflicts like the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Sri Lanka has honoured the IPKF with a war memorial, yet India has not accorded similar national commemoration, causing discontent among veterans and families.

Remembrance and National Significance

In the absence of widespread government recognition, institutions like Swami Vivekanand Subharti University have taken the initiative to honour IPKF veterans and Veer Naris. Their events encourage national pride and show the importance of remembering the courage and sacrifices of those who served in Operation Pawan. Such efforts contribute to preserving the legacy of India’s commitment to regional peace.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the role of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka and its impact on Indo-Sri Lankan relations.
2. Examine the challenges faced by multinational peacekeeping forces in insurgency-affected regions with reference to Operation Pawan.
3. Analyse the significance of military commemorations in encouraging national unity and morale. How do they influence civil-military relations in India?
4. Estimate the socio-economic impact of prolonged military engagements on soldiers’ families and local communities in conflict zones.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the role of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka and its impact on Indo-Sri Lankan relations.

1. IPKF deployed under India-Sri Lanka Agreement (1987) to enforce peace and disarm Tamil militants.
2. Intended to protect Sri Lankan Tamil minority and ensure island’s unity and territorial integrity.
3. Faced hostility from LTTE, leading to prolonged military conflict (Operation Pawan).
4. Strained Indo-Sri Lankan relations due to IPKF’s combat role and civilian casualties.
5. Left Sri Lanka in 1990 after political fallout, impacting bilateral trust and cooperation.
6. Legacy remains complex – IPKF seen as peacekeeper by some, occupier by others in Sri Lanka.

2. Examine the challenges faced by multinational peacekeeping forces in insurgency-affected regions with reference to Operation Pawan.

1. Hostile local insurgents (LTTE) unwilling to disarm or cooperate with peacekeepers.
2. Intelligence leaks compromised surprise and operational success (e.g., heliborne assault failure).
3. Limited resources and ammunition against well-entrenched militant forces.
4. Complex political mandate conflicting with military objectives and local sentiments.
5. High casualty rates and morale issues among troops in unfamiliar terrain.
6. Difficulty in maintaining neutrality and winning hearts and minds amid ethnic tensions.

3. Analyse the significance of military commemorations in encouraging national unity and morale. How do they influence civil-military relations in India?

1. Commemorations honour sacrifices, encouraging national pride and collective memory.
2. Boost morale of armed forces and provide recognition to veterans and families.
3. Strengthen civilian awareness of military roles and challenges, enhancing respect.
4. Promote unity by transcending regional, ethnic, and political divides through shared history.
5. Help bridge civil-military gap by encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding.
6. Lack of commemoration (e.g., Operation Pawan) can cause veteran discontent and public apathy.

4. Estimate the socio-economic impact of prolonged military engagements on soldiers’ families and local communities in conflict zones.

1. Loss of primary breadwinners leads to economic hardship for families (widows, orphans).
2. Psychological trauma and social stigma affecting soldiers’ kin and veterans.
3. Disruption of local economies and infrastructure due to conflict and military presence.
4. Increased government expenditure on rehabilitation, pensions, and welfare schemes.
5. Communities may experience demographic imbalances and long-term development challenges.
6. Veteran unemployment and inadequate support systems exacerbate socio-economic issues.