aThe Indian Peace Keeping Force’s Operations in Sri Lanka started with the assumption that our troops will play a Peace Keeping role. However, soon after landing at Pallay airport in Jaffna, the role transmuted to regular operations, and that too the toughest of its kind – fighting an urban guerrilla warfare in built-up area. Mechanised elements, initially played a pivotal role in extricating our troops from an enormously disadvantaged position in Jaffna.
These forces along were later not only prove to be psychological weapon but also effective instruments in critical circumstances. Very little Artillery was inducted. There were three artillery units, with only one of them with guns. When required, artillery fire was brought down close to LTTE concentrations in their camps, forcing them to run for their lives and be taken prisoners by our infantry battalions suitably poised for such a task.
The guests for the episode are:-
Brig Kartar Singh (Retd). An artillery officer and a paratrooper. He commanded the 9 Para Field Regiment and an Infantry Brigade. He has been the Vice Chancellor of two universities post retirement and currently officiates as the President of the Indian Ex-Servicemen League.
Lt Col Manoj K Channan (Retd). An Armoured Corps officer who was with his unit, 68 Armoured Regiment in Sri Lanka. He has also served in insurgency environment in Manipur and Tripura. He also raised a counter-terror school. He took premature retirement and has been serving in reputed private sector companies
Col RS Sidhu (Retd). Participated in Operation Pawan as a Company Commander with 15 Mechanised Infantry, subsequently Commanded 12 Mechanised Infantry (8 Paras-16 Mahar). Currently he is a Strategic Analyst.
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