In a significant ceremony highlighting the bravery and leadership of security forces, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi honored Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari of the Border Security Force (BSF) Jammu with the esteemed Commendation Disc. The event, attended by high-ranking military officials, celebrated her courageous contributions during Operation Sindoor, which has been pivotal in the ongoing efforts to maintain national security.
Neha Bhandari, who hails from Uttarakhand and is a third-generation officer, has proven her mettle while leading a company in the forward Pargwal sector along the International Border in Akhnoor. Under her command, the BSF unit successfully neutralized three aggressive Pakistani posts, showcasing a decisive response to ongoing cross-border hostilities. Her team’s position was notably vulnerable, situated merely meters away from adversarial forces, yet they delivered remarkable results.
Operation Sindoor was initiated in response to a terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, which resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives, predominantly among Hindu pilgrims. The operation has seen an unprecedented collaborative effort between the BSF and the Indian Army aimed at dismantling threats from across the border. To date, official sources report the destruction of 76 Pakistani border outposts, 42 forward defense locations, and three terrorist launch pads.
During the presentation of the commendation on May 30, General Dwivedi lauded Neha’s bravery and operational effectiveness, underscoring her as a role model for the increasing integration and influence of women within India’s security framework. Her recognition serves as a reminder of the BSF’s longstanding reputation as the nation’s “first line of defense,” a legacy solidified during the 1971 war and continuing through contemporary operations like Sindoor.
The ceremony unfolded against a backdrop of heightened tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, as Indian armed forces have ramped up strikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The calculated military responses aim to deter future threats and maintain stability in the region.
Neha Bhandari’s accolade stands as both a personal achievement and a resounding message to encourage women in uniform. It solidifies the BSF’s steadfast commitment to protecting the nation’s borders, particularly along the crucial 190-kilometer stretch of the International Border stretching through the districts of Jammu, Samba, and Kathua. This recognition not only honors an individual but also emphasizes the integral role of women in the defense forces and their contributions to national security.
