The Withdrawal of Indian Troops from Sri Lanka
The year 1990 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Indian-Sri Lankan relations, as it was the year when Indian troops officially withdrew from Sri Lanka after nearly a decade of military presence. This decision was influenced by various factors, including the evolving political situation in Sri Lanka, the rise of Tamil nationalism, and the changing dynamics within the Indian government.
Background of Indian Intervention
India initially sent troops to Sri Lanka in 1987 as part of the India-Sri Lanka Accord, aimed at ending the civil conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Though initially welcomed by some, the presence of Indian forces soon faced hostility from several factions, particularly the LTTE, who felt that the Indian troops were impeding their struggle for Tamil autonomy.
Challenges Faced by Indian Forces
The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) encountered numerous challenges, including guerrilla warfare tactics employed by the LTTE and a lack of cooperation from the local population. As casualties mounted and public sentiment turned against the Indian presence, the effectiveness of the IPKF was increasingly questioned, placing pressure on the Indian government to reassess its role in the conflict.
The Decision to Withdraw
Faced with escalating violence, political pressure, and rising domestic criticism, Indian Prime Minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh made the crucial decision to withdraw troops from Sri Lanka. In March 1990, the last of the Indian forces departed, marking the end of India’s military involvement in the Sri Lankan civil war.
Consequences of the Withdrawal
The withdrawal of Indian troops significantly impacted the trajectory of the Sri Lankan civil war, altering the balance of power in favor of the LTTE initially. Without Indian oversight, the conflict intensified, leading to further loss of life and devastation until the eventual government defeat of the LTTE in 2009.
Indian Troops' Legacy in Sri Lanka
The legacy of the Indian troops in Sri Lanka is complex; it remains a contentious topic in both countries. While some view their intervention as an attempt to maintain peace, others see it as an example of foreign entanglement in civil conflicts, with long-lasting repercussions on Sri Lankan politics and society.
Fun Fact
A Forgotten Chapter of History
Many might not be aware that the Indian Peace Keeping Force operated in Sri Lanka during one of the deadliest periods of its civil conflict, and hundreds of Indian soldiers lost their lives in the process. This aspect of the conflict often remains overshadowed by other significant events in Indian military history.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on Indian Peacekeeping in Sri Lanka
For those wanting to delve deeper, two books to consider are "India's Peacekeeping Experience in Sri Lanka: A Political Analysis" and "The Sri Lankan Crisis: A Political and Historical Study". These works offer detailed insights into one of the most intriguing peacekeeping missions in recent history.
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