In a groundbreaking achievement for women in the military, a team of seven female Border Security Force (BSF) officers, led by Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari, successfully held two forward border posts in the Akhnoor sector for three consecutive days during Operation Sindoor. This operation compelled Pakistani forces to abandon their forward locations, marking a historic first for female officers commanding a frontline post, while the Indian Army has yet to formally induct women into such direct combat roles.
Under the leadership of AC Bhandari, the unit—referred to as “Seema Praharis”—demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of intense cross-border firing. The team included seasoned veterans like Manjit Kour and Malkit Kour, both hailing from Punjab and boasting nearly 17 years of service each. Positioned in tight bunkers that served as observation posts, they provided essential support and stability to the younger members of the team.
The remaining four officers, comprising Swapna Rath and Shampa Basak from West Bengal, Sumi Xess from Jharkhand, and Jyoti Banian from Odisha, had only joined the BSF earlier in 2023. For them, Operation Sindoor represented a significant challenge and served as a rigorous test of their training. Their steadfastness under pressure was a testament to the effectiveness of the BSF’s gender-inclusive training regime, which emphasizes equal preparation for both male and female recruits.
Neha Bhandari, who joined the BSF three years ago, has a familial legacy in service, with her mother currently active in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Reflecting on the operation, Bhandari noted that senior male officers had offered the option to withdraw due to the inherent risks. “I obviously declined. When we trained as soldiers, our regimen was the same as our male counterparts. This was our opportunity to prove we are just as capable,” she asserted.
The BSF characterized India’s response to Pakistani aggression as both “forceful and efficient,” with this all-women unit playing a pivotal role in establishing tactical dominance in the Akhnoor sector. Their ability to withstand pressure ensured Pakistani forces had no choice but to vacate their forward defensive positions, marking both a symbolic and strategic victory in the ongoing cross-border tensions.
The success of Operation Sindoor underscores not only the valor of these seven officers but also signifies a notable shift in the role of women within India’s defense forces. The operation serves as a robust affirmation of the BSF’s dedication to gender parity and its commitment to maintaining frontline readiness in a rapidly evolving security landscape.
