![IPKF Memorial in Palali Sri Lanka](https://i0.wp.com/amazinglanka.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/palali.jpg?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1)
The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was deployed to Sri Lanka in 1987 as part of the Indian intervention in the Sri Lankan Civil War. The civil war was primarily fought between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization fighting for an independent Tamil state in the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
The IPKF intervention was based on the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of July 1987, which aimed to resolve the conflict through political means and ensure the devolution of power to the Tamil-majority areas. However, the LTTE was initially opposed to the accord and the presence of Indian troops in Sri Lanka.
The IPKF’s main objectives included disarming the LTTE, establishing peace, and facilitating the implementation of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord. However, the mission failed miserably including fierce resistance from the LTTE and difficulties in distinguishing between combatants and civilians in the conflict zone.
The IPKF’s involvement in Sri Lanka was marked by intense fighting, human rights abuses, and civilian casualties. The LTTE launched several attacks on Indian troops, leading to casualties on both sides. The IPKF also faced allegations of human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
Ultimately, the IPKF withdrew from Sri Lanka in 1990, following the failure to achieve its objectives and mounting casualties. The withdrawal was accompanied by renewed violence between the Sri Lankan government forces and the LTTE, further prolonging the civil war until the Sri Lankan military defeated the LTTE in May 2009, effectively ending the conflict.
During the ‘Operation Pawan’ conducted by the IPKF, LTTE terrorists opened indiscriminate fire at soldiers of the 10 Indian Para Regiment at midnight on 12 October 1987 way before their heli-landing at the Jaffna University premises, the Tactical Headquarters of the LTTE, blatantly violating the 1949 Geneva Convention.
The IPKF memorial at Palaly remembers 33 Indian soldiers of the 10 Indian Para Comando unit including Lieutenant Colonel Arun Kumar Chhabra who laid their lives for the sake of the territorial integrity of their friendly neighbouring country.
This memorial was forgotten until the end of the civil war in 2009 and was exposed again in 2013. It was later cleared and a number of ceremonies were held thereafter to remember the fallen soldiers along with Indian officials. Since this monument lies within a high-security zone, you will need permission to visit this monument.
Also See
- Attractions of Sri Lanka
- Heritage of Sri Lanka
- Waterfalls of Sri Lanka
- Nature and Wildlife of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of IPKF Memorial in Palali
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
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Travelling Directions to IPKF Memorial in Palali
Route 01 from Jaffna to IPKF Memorial in Palali |
Through : Distance :17 km Travel time : 30 mins Driving directions : see on Google map |
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