End of Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka
March 24th, 1990
March 24th, 1990
How Long Ago?
34 years, 11 months, 19 days ago
Location
Sri Lanka
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Sri Lankan Civil War
People
- Rajiv Gandhi
- J. R. Jayewardene
- V. Prabhakaran
Links & References
Tags
End of Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka
The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) concluded its operations in Sri Lanka, marking the end of India's military intervention in the Sri Lankan Civil War. The last ship carrying Indian troops departed, symbolizing India's withdrawal after years of engagement in the conflict. This operation began in 1987 under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, intended to enforce peace between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The departure was characterized by mixed sentiments among both Sri Lankan and Indian populations.
IPKF was deployed in 1987 under an accord.
Withdrawal marked end of India's intervention.
The IPKF faced hostility from the LTTE during operations.
Legacy affected future India-Sri Lanka relations.
What Happened?
The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was deployed in Sri Lanka in 1987 following the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, which aimed to resolve the Sri Lankan Civil War between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE. The agreement allowed Indian troops to assist in disarming the Tigers and stabilizing the situation amid escalating ethnic violence and conflict. However, the role of the IPKF became increasingly controversial, as they faced significant hostility from the LTTE and accusations of human rights violations by various groups.
Over the years, the IPKF's presence was marked by numerous encounters with the LTTE, leading to substantial loss of life on both sides, as well as the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. Public opinion in India grew divided over the mission, with many questioning the rationale behind India's involvement in another country's civil strife. The decision to withdraw was influenced by rising political and diplomatic pressure, alongside the realization that the IPKF's objectives were not being met.
On March 24, 1990, the last ship of Indian troops departed Sri Lanka, signaling the final withdrawal of the IPKF. This departure was witnessed by media personnel and marred by the contentious legacy of the IPKF's operations. The withdrawal was more than just a military decision; it reflected a shift in India's approach to regional conflicts and its foreign policy, especially concerning neighboring countries. The implications of this intervention continue to resonate in India-Sri Lanka relations and regional dynamics in South Asia.
Why Does it Matter?
The withdrawal of the Indian Peace Keeping Force from Sri Lanka reshaped regional geopolitical dynamics in South Asia. It marked a crucial shift in India's foreign policy, emphasizing a less interventionist stance in neighborly conflicts. This event also highlighted the complexities of ethnic tensions in Sri Lanka and set the stage for future conflicts, affecting relations between the Tamil population, the Sri Lankan government, and neighboring nations.
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