Army to Officially Honour Operation Pawan Martyrs After 38 Years

For the first time in 38 years, the Indian Army will officially commemorate the soldiers who laid down their lives during Operation Pawan, one of India’s most challenging external military missions. Conducted in Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1990, the operation marked a major chapter in India’s strategic engagement abroad and resulted in heavy casualties. The long-awaited tribute brings national recognition to thousands of personnel who served under extreme conditions during the Tamil–Sinhala conflict.

Background of Operation Pawan

Operation Pawan began in 1987 after India deployed the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka under the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord. The objective was to stabilise the conflict-hit northern and eastern provinces and disarm militant groups, including the LTTE.

Why the Mission Became Complex

Although the peace accord aimed to bring calm, the LTTE rejected the agreement, triggering unexpected and intense fighting. IPKF troops found themselves operating in dense forests, unfamiliar terrain, and hostile conditions. What began as a peacekeeping initiative quickly evolved into full-fledged combat.

Objectives of Operation Pawan

• Disarm militant organisations, especially the LTTE
• Restore peace in conflict-hit regions
• Support the Sri Lankan government in stabilising Tamil-majority areas
• Implement the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord effectively

Despite best intentions, resistance from the LTTE and shifting political circumstances turned the operation into a prolonged and deadly engagement.

Heavy Losses and Acts of Bravery

The scale of casualties makes Operation Pawan one of the most demanding overseas deployments in India’s military history.

Casualties

• 1,171 Indian soldiers were killed
• More than 3,500 personnel were injured

Ambushes, guerrilla warfare, and close-range encounters were frequent. In many situations, operational limitations prevented retrieval of fallen soldiers—deeply impacting morale and families back home.

Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran: A Hero Among Heroes

One of the most notable stories of courage from the operation is that of Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. On 25 November 1987, he led a counter-attack during an ambush, killing several militants despite being critically wounded. His gallantry remains one of India’s finest battlefield examples.

Decades Without Official Recognition

For nearly four decades, India did not observe an official remembrance day for Operation Pawan.

• Veterans,
• Families of martyrs, and
• Former IPKF personnel

privately marked the day at various memorials across the country. Interestingly, Sri Lanka established an IPKF memorial in Colombo, acknowledging the operation’s impact, even as India remained silent officially.

The Long-Awaited Recognition

On 26 November, the Indian Army will formally honour Operation Pawan martyrs at the National War Memorial.
Key events include:

• Wreath-laying ceremony led by the Army Chief and senior military leaders
• Attendance of veterans and families of the fallen soldiers
• Official acknowledgment of the mission’s significance and sacrifices

This ceremony is seen as a historic and overdue tribute, finally giving national recognition to soldiers who served with extraordinary commitment.

Important Exam-Oriented Facts

• Operation Pawan was conducted by the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) from 1987 to 1990.
• 1,171 Indian soldiers were martyred during the operation.
• Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran received the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for bravery in 1987.
• 2024 marks the first official Army tribute to Operation Pawan martyrs.
• The mission is considered one of India’s largest overseas deployments.