Srinagar: The term 'combat warfare' is not exactly synonymous with women. But breaking stereotypes and marching along on an uncharted path is the world's first independent women's paramilitary combat battalion.
After CRPF took charge of the internal security of the state, this Srinagar-based women's battallion has pulled up its socks to take on militants and given them a hard time.
When Deputy Commandant Shashi Shaheedi first arrived in Srinagar for her Kashmir assignment, she knew that the days ahead would not be easy. She had lost Constable Bindu Khare to a militant attack on the Srinagar airport.
"The day I was to join duty in Kashmir, a lady constable died fighting militants. Our girls are everywhere. We have gone for operations before as well and we plans to go out again,'' says Shashi.
But five years hence, Shashi has struck a balance between her job of leading this 'women-only' battalion and taking care of her 11-month old daughter.
However, others aren't so fortunate. For constables Venkatratna and Pushpa Ganguly, the phone is the only means of keeping touch.
"I have a two-year old kid and I am informed about his welfare over the phone. I see him during my leave, but I have to do duty for my country. It is a great respect to serve in force. I will go for operations too.'', says Venkatratna.
Trained to be tough and tireless, women of the world's first independent paramilitary combat battalion are doing a great balancing act.
Pushpa, another constable, says for her, duty comes first. "I have one kid. We communicate over phone and letters. My child is at home and I send money for him,' she adds.
Rewarded four times for their gallantry - including an Ashok Chakra and Presdent's police medal - this women's CRPF battalion forms an important component in Kashmir's counter-insurgency grid.
But it's not just all work and no play for them. "We are having lots of fun here. When we get bogged down, we watch TV and dance,'' says Pushpanjali, a constable.
Comments
0 comment