Ganderbal (Jammu Kashmir): After availing the services of Rifles Women in Kupwara to check narcotics and weapon smuggling last year, the Indian Army has now deployed Assam Rifles' women soldiers at various checkpoints in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district to bridge the gap between local residents and the security forces. They have also been deployed at Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) in Ganderbal for routine checking of female commuters.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Jyotsna, one of the rifle women said, "Our main task is to ensure that local women are not harassed during anti-militancy operations. They feel more comfortable with us. Whatever tasks are performed here, we are an important part of it," she said
The woman soldier said they want to inspire the local women so that they too join the army.
Another rifle woman said that their main task is to take part in the anti-militancy operations and work in coordination with their male counterparts.
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"Our task is to take part in the anti-militancy operations carried out by our battalion. It's also our responsibility to communicate with the women, even if they are involved in militant activities, and take them into confidence.
"According to her, they have been trained to reach out to women and control them if they are reported to be supporting militancy in any way.
Colonel RS Karakoti, commanding officer of 34 Assam Rifles, told media that riflewomen were first deployed in the Kupwara district in August 2020 following intelligence reports that militants were employing women handlers for narco and weapon smuggling. Their primary task is to assist their male counterparts in the routine checking of women on the National Highway. informed that the Rifle women unit will help in preventing infiltration at border areas.
"The deployment of female security personnel in the region will improve the interface with the public to gain their confidence and help them at times of crisis," he said.
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"These riflewomen have been a force multiplier and they have been bridging the gap between security forces and Awaam. We are using them in various operations as we use the Riflemen. Local citizens have been coming and reaching out to these Riflewomen and developing a special relationship with the security forces," Colonel Karakoti said.
