In a first, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) plans to send its women commandos to the Naxal-hit zones, by making them proficient and undertaking training of the Anti-Naxal Commando Battalion for Resolute Action Unit.
On the occasion of the 88th all-women battalion Raising Day, CRPF has not only inducted women commandos but also introduced an all Mahila brass band, making it the first force with a women brass band of its own.
In a statement to the press, the CRPF said,"Mahila personnel of CRPF forming the first all-women brass band will also undergo a training course to acquire the requisite skills on the musical instruments. It deserves pertinent to mention that the force already has an all-women pipe band."
By initiating this highly celebrated step towards women empowerment, the 88th Mahila battalion of CRPF achieves the distinction of becoming the first ever all-Mahila battalion across the globe.
They further stated, "CRPF has taken another step towards women empowerment by inducting women commandos on the celebrations of 88th all-women battalion. Notably, 88th Mahila Battalion of CRPF has the distinction of being the first all-Mahila battalion in the world. 34 women personnel from the 6 Mahila Battalions of CRPF who are joining the COBRA today will undergo a strenuous CoBRA pre-induction training of 3 months."
The Director General CRPF AP Maheshwari told NDTV, "The force has a history of empowered women warriors who have not just brought laurels to the force but have also made the country proud by conspicuous gallantry both at home in India and abroad in several UN peacekeeping missions. Gender neutrality adds to the diversity of the force empowered women make an empowered family which eventually empowers the nation."
The highly celebrated and courageous women of this battalion has won The Ashoka Chakra award, considered to be the highest peacetime gallantry recognition.
The woman commandos will be undergoing high intensity training for usage of special weapons, explosives, firing. Further accomplish field craft, jungle survival skills and tactical planning.
Image credit : Twitter @crpfindia