Operation Pawan was a major military initiative undertaken by Indian Armed Forces in Sri Lanka, primarily designed to assist the Sri Lankan government in its fight against the LTTE. Following years of escalating conflict between the Tamil separatist group and the Sri Lankan state, the Indian government, under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, decided to intervene militarily in 1987. This decision was reprised to a Peace Accord signed earlier in July, which aimed to establish peace and safeguard the rights of Tamils in Sri Lanka. The operation officially began on November 10, 1987, as Indian troops landed in the northern region of Jaffna and aimed to disarm the LTTE while providing humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.As the operation unfolded, it encountered fierce resistance from the LTTE, resulting in intense combat situations that had dire consequences for both military personnel and civilians caught in the crossfire. The original mission objectives became increasingly complicated due to the LTTE's entrenched presence in Tamil areas. The Indian forces faced difficulties in distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants, leading to significant civilian casualties that further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka during this period. The operation's focus on effective disarmament and stabilization came against a backdrop of heightened tensions and shifting loyalties amidst a protracted civil war.The operation continued until March 1990, facing criticism on various fronts, most notably regarding human rights violations and the impact on the local population. Despite the initial intention of stabilizing the situation, the aftermath led to further entrenchment of the LTTE and contributed to the growing unrest within Sri Lanka. By the end of Operation Pawan, numerous lives had been lost on all sides, including a significant number of Indian soldiers, making it a pivotal moment in the Sri Lankan civil war and Indian foreign policy.