In a significant and emotional ceremony, the Indian Army has finally paid official tribute to its soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka thirty-five years ago. This long-overdue recognition brings closure to one of the most challenging chapters in India's military history.
The Historic Tribute Ceremony
The Indian Army organized a special ceremony to honor the brave hearts who lost their lives while serving in the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. This marks the first official tribute in 35 years to soldiers who participated in Operation Pawan between 1987 and 1990.
The ceremony took place at the War Memorial in Delhi Cantonment, where senior army officials, veterans, and family members of the fallen soldiers gathered to pay their respects. The event was particularly poignant given the decades that had passed since these soldiers laid down their lives in a complex overseas mission.
Remembering Operation Pawan and IPKF Sacrifices
The Indian Peace Keeping Force was deployed to Sri Lanka following the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement signed in 1987. The mission aimed to enforce peace and disarm various militant groups during the Sri Lankan Civil War. However, the operation proved far more challenging than anticipated.
Operation Pawan specifically targeted the capture of Jaffna from the LTTE and resulted in significant casualties for the Indian forces. The IPKF remained in Sri Lanka for 32 months, during which approximately 1,200 Indian soldiers made the supreme sacrifice, while over 2,500 were wounded in action.
What made this mission particularly difficult was the unfamiliar terrain, complex political situation, and the unexpected resistance faced by Indian troops. Many military experts consider this one of the most challenging operations the Indian Army has ever undertaken outside the country's borders.
Healing Old Wounds and National Recognition
This official tribute holds immense significance for several reasons. For decades, the contributions and sacrifices of IPKF soldiers remained largely unrecognized in public memory. The recent ceremony serves as an important step toward acknowledging their service and giving their families the recognition they deserve.
The tribute ceremony included laying of wreaths, playing of the last post, and a two-minute silence observed in memory of the fallen heroes. Senior army officials emphasized that the nation will always remain indebted to these soldiers who performed their duty under extremely challenging circumstances.
This recognition also helps in healing the emotional wounds of family members who have waited for thirty-five years to see their loved ones properly honored. Many veterans of the IPKF operation attended the ceremony, expressing both sadness and satisfaction that their comrades have finally received official recognition.
The Indian Army's decision to formally acknowledge these sacrifices demonstrates the evolving nature of military traditions and the importance of remembering all chapters of India's military history, regardless of their complexity or political sensitivity.
