In a solemn ceremony that highlighted courage and leadership in the military, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi presented the coveted Commendation Disc to Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari of the Border Security Force (BSF) Jammu. This recognition honors her exceptional bravery during Operation Sindoor and took place amid the presence of senior military officials, underscoring the importance of her contributions to the nation’s defense.
Neha Bhandari, hailing from Uttarakhand and representing a lineage of military service as a third-generation officer, received the accolade for her commendable role in commanding a BSF company at the forward Pargwal sector along the International Border in Akhnoor. Under her adept leadership, the BSF was able to successfully neutralize three hostile Pakistani posts, providing a strong and strategic response to cross-border threats. Her unit operated in a highly vulnerable position, just meters away from Pakistani installations, making their mission particularly perilous.
The honor was bestowed on May 30, coinciding with ongoing military operations that were launched in retaliation to the terror attack that occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam, which tragically claimed 26 lives, the majority of whom were Hindu pilgrims. Operation Sindoor has seen the BSF and Indian Army collaborating to effectively counter and eliminate threats from across the border, with the current tally indicating the destruction of 76 Pakistani border outposts, 42 forward defense locations, and three terrorist launch pads.
General Dwivedi, who assumed the role of Army Chief on June 30, 2024, commended Neha for her exceptional bravery and operational expertise. He noted that her achievements exemplify the growing role and influence of women within India’s security forces, thereby reinforcing the BSF’s historical reputation as the “first line of defense”—an identity established during the 1971 war and continuously reaffirmed through modern military operations, including Operation Sindoor.
The recognition comes at a time of increased tension in Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack, catalyzing an intensified security response aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and deterring potential future attacks. The focus of the Indian security forces, particularly along the critical 190-kilometer stretch of the International Border encompassing the districts of Jammu, Samba, and Kathua, underscores the ongoing commitment to safeguarding national security.
Neha Bhandari’s commendation signifies not merely a personal achievement but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for women in uniform, reflecting the BSF’s unwavering dedication to defending India’s borders and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
