Ethnic Conflicts in South Asia: The Case of Sri Lanka and the Indian Peace-keeping Force (IPKF)

The paper attempts to formulate a conceptual framework for understanding the nature of the ethnic conflicts that have become endemic to South Asian social formations. Emphasis is put on the identification of mechanisms that need to be evolved and consolidated if these conflicts are to be resolved. Ethnic stratification in these societies is placed and analysed within the wider context of protracted social conflicts in post-colonial state formations under the transition to capitalism In the second part of the paper an attempt is made to concretize this conceptual framework in an on-going conflict in the region — namely the case of Sri Lanka and the role of the Indian Peace-keeping Forces (IPKF) The Indo-Sri Lankan accord, which recognizes the Sri Lankan state as a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual society, is examined along with the various problems and prospects pertaining to the process of the restoration of peace and normalcy on the island The specific role of the IPKF in carrying out its mandate is analysed within the context of the internal processes that need to be activated if the Indo-Sri Lankan accord is to pave the way for long-lasting peace.