As many as 868 new riflewomen “mahila recruits” of Assam Rifles marched in perfect rhythm and synchronisation and passed out of the parade ground of the Assam Rifles Centre and School at Shokhuvi in Nagaland on March 2.
The occasion was the special attestation parade to mark the completion of 44 weeks of gruelling training in battle craft, weapon handling, jungle lane shooting and other specialization in counter insurgency operations. This POP was unique for the fact that it had only “mahila recruits” and the parade was led by Major Sita Shelke, a lady officer posted at the Assam Rifles Centre and School.
The passing out parade was reviewed by the Arunachal Pradesh governor BD Mishra in the presence of Lt Gen PC Nair, director general Assam Rifles and other senior officers.
Addressing the recruits, the governor highlighted the rich history of the Assam Rifles as the oldest paramilitary force of the country and its diversified role. He congratulated the recruits and their proud parents on successful completion of training and wished them success and happiness in their future endeavours.
The governor called on the recruits to serve the nation with all sincerity besides asking them to keep pace with technology. He also stated that “as mahila soldiers their job was even more challenging than their male counterparts given that besides their job responsibility they would also have to shoulder the responsibility of their families”.
The governor added that he was pleased to be attending this unique POP which was all women and had perhaps the longest number of “mahila recruits” passing out from any academy or training centre anywhere in the country.
Assam Rifles is the oldest para military force in India and has since 2015 inducted riflewomen in all frontline duties.
