Valiant Deeds, Undying Memories

Book excerpt: The 32-month tryst of the Indian Peace Keeping Force with LTTE in Sri Lanka, between July 1987 and March 1990, was the first out-of-country overseas assignment since independence for the Indian Armed Forces under the national banner. For the soldier who laid down his life and limb, all wars are the same. The ‘IPKF syndrome’ has been casting its long melancholy shadow over decision-makers ever since the withdrawal of this force in 1990. The book recounts real-life accounts of veterans who fought a grim battle, largely forgotten by the mainstream and a thankless establishment. What was the politico-military aim of the government, and was the Indo-SL Accord watertight in its scope? Was timely intelligence shared with the troops who were launched into battle? What were the feelings of the soldier towards the involvement of IPKF fighting someone else’s war? Were the soldiers given their due? What were the tactical errors committed by the IPKF? These issues are highlighted in these interesting and gripping personal accounts of the veterans. “I hate the drums discordant note Parading round and round To thoughtless youth it pleasures yields And lures from city and fields To sell their liberty for charms Of tawdry lace and glittering arms And when ambitions voice commands To march and fight and fall in foreign lands” Ode XIII by John Scott of Amwell, 1730-93