Indian Intervention in Sri Lanka in 1987: A Tale of Atrocities and Ambition.

The Indian intervention in Sri Lanka in 1987, under the guise of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), remains a stark example of how regional power ambitions can lead to a devastating human toll. While officially presented as a peacekeeping mission to stabilize the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the reality was far more sinister. The IPKF’s actions not only exacerbated the conflict but also left a legacy of atrocities, brutalities, and deep-seated resentment that still echoes in the corridors of South Asian geopolitics.

Indian Atrocities: A Dark Chapter

The intervention, which lasted from 1987 to 1990, quickly devolved into a violent occupation characterized by widespread human rights abuses. Reports of killings, rapes, and looting by Indian soldiers are not only well-documented but also serve as a grim reminder of the cost of India’s over-ambitious policies.

Killings and Assassinations: The IPKF was involved in numerous military operations that resulted in the deaths of thousands of Sri Lankan civilians. The Jaffna Peninsula, in particular, witnessed some of the most brutal confrontations. The infamous Operation Pawan, intended to capture the LTTE stronghold of Jaffna, led to the indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas. Estimates suggest that thousands of Tamil civilians were killed, many of whom had no connection to the LTTE. The Indian forces, instead of bringing peace, were seen as an occupying force waging war against the very people they were supposed to protect.

Rape and Sexual Violence: The intervention also saw Indian troops accused of widespread sexual violence. Numerous reports and testimonies from survivors have highlighted the use of rape as a tool of war by the IPKF. The case of the Valvettithurai massacre in August 1989, where several Tamil women were reportedly raped by Indian soldiers, is one of the many horrifying examples. These heinous acts not only violated the dignity of the victims but also left an indelible scar on the collective memory of the Tamil population in Sri Lanka.

Looting and Destruction: Indian forces were also implicated in the looting of Tamil homes and businesses. The very presence of Indian troops led to widespread destruction in the Tamil-majority areas, with countless homes and infrastructure reduced to rubble. The economic toll of the intervention was immense, as the livelihoods of thousands were destroyed in the wake of military operations.

Conspiracies and Regional Ambition

India’s intervention in Sri Lanka was not merely a case of peacekeeping gone wrong; it was a calculated move driven by regional ambitions. The desire to establish dominance in the Indian Ocean and to counter external influences, particularly from the United States and China, played a significant role in New Delhi’s decision to intervene. This over-ambitiousness led to policies that prioritized India’s strategic interests over the well-being of Sri Lankan civilians.

The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord: The 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, which paved the way for the IPKF’s deployment, was seen by many as an imposition by India on a sovereign nation. The accord was signed under duress, with the then Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene pressured into accepting terms that favored Indian interests. This agreement not only violated Sri Lanka’s sovereignty but also laid the groundwork for the subsequent bloodshed.

LTTE and Indian Betrayal: India’s involvement with the LTTE is another dark chapter. Initially, India provided support to the LTTE, training and arming Tamil militants as a means of exerting pressure on the Sri Lankan government. However, this relationship soured, leading to a betrayal that further fueled the conflict. The IPKF’s operations against the LTTE were seen as a double-cross, and the resulting animosity culminated in the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by an LTTE suicide bomber in 1991.

India’s Ugly Regional Policies

The Indian intervention in Sri Lanka exemplifies the broader pattern of India’s overreach and aggressive policies in South Asia. From its actions in Kashmir to its interference in Nepal and Bangladesh, India’s approach has often been marked by a disregard for the sovereignty of its neighbors. The tragic events in Sri Lanka in 1987 serve as a cautionary tale of how such ambitions can lead to disastrous consequences.

India’s policy of regional hegemony, driven by a desire to be the dominant power in South Asia, has often led to conflict and instability rather than peace and cooperation. The intervention in Sri Lanka is a clear example of how India’s desire to control its neighborhood led to a brutal and unnecessary war, causing immense suffering to the people of Sri Lanka.

Conclusion

The 1987 Indian intervention in Sri Lanka is a grim reminder of the dangers of regional over-ambition and the devastating human cost that can result from such policies. The atrocities committed by the IPKF, including killings, rapes, and looting, are a dark chapter in South Asian history. As the region continues to grapple with the legacies of past conflicts, it is essential to remember the lessons of 1987 and to hold accountable those responsible for such brutalities. India’s actions in Sri Lanka should serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of respecting the sovereignty and dignity of all nations, and the dire consequences of failing to do so.

The people of Sri Lanka will forever bear the scars of Indian atrocities and gross violations of human rights during the intervention. The deep-seated resentment towards India is not just a passing sentiment but a profound and enduring emotion that resonates across the nation. The pain inflicted upon the Sri Lankan populace is woven into the collective memory of the country, and the trauma will likely echo through many generations to come. It will take an extraordinary amount of time and effort to heal the wounds inflicted by India’s actions, as the memories of the suffering and injustices endured are deeply etched in the hearts and minds of the Sri Lankan people. The bitterness and mistrust towards India are not just a matter of politics but are rooted in the lived experiences of countless Sri Lankans who endured the horrors of that period.