IPKF stands for Indian Peace Keeping Force.

The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was a military operation launched by the Indian government in 1987 to maintain peace and restore stability in Sri Lanka during the Sri Lankan Civil War. The IPKF was a contingent of the Indian Army that was deployed to assist the Sri Lankan government in its fight against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant group seeking an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka.

Reasons for the IPKF
- The Sri Lankan Civil War, which began in 1983, had resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread violence. The conflict was mainly between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE, which had gained control over large parts of the northern and eastern regions of Sri Lanka.
- The Sri Lankan government requested assistance from India to combat the LTTE and restore peace in the country.
- India, being a close neighbor and having a significant Tamil population, had a vested interest in resolving the conflict and maintaining stability in the region.

Objectives of the IPKF
- To disarm the LTTE and other militant groups operating in Sri Lanka.
- To restore law and order in the conflict-affected areas.
- To facilitate the peaceful resolution of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
- To assist in the implementation of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, a peace agreement signed between the two countries in 1987.

Role and Operations of the IPKF
- The IPKF was initially deployed in the northern and eastern regions of Sri Lanka, where the LTTE had its strongholds.
- The force consisted of around 70,000 personnel, including soldiers, support staff, and logistics personnel.
- The IPKF conducted various military operations to disarm the LTTE and other militant groups. These operations involved combat engagements, search and destroy missions, and securing key installations.
- The force also engaged in humanitarian and development activities, such as providing medical aid, rebuilding infrastructure, and assisting in the resettlement of displaced people.

Challenges and Controversies
- The IPKF faced significant challenges during its operations. It encountered resistance from the LTTE, which was well-entrenched and had a strong guerrilla warfare capability.
- The force also faced allegations of human rights abuses, including indiscriminate shelling and extrajudicial killings. These allegations led to strained relations between India and Sri Lanka.
- The IPKF was eventually withdrawn from Sri Lanka in 1990, as the mission failed to achieve its objectives and faced increasing opposition from the LTTE and the local population.

Conclusion
The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was a military operation launched by India to assist the Sri Lankan government in its fight against the LTTE and restore peace in Sri Lanka. Although the IPKF faced numerous challenges and controversies, it played a significant role in the efforts to resolve the Sri Lankan Civil War and maintain stability in the region.