Panchtarni (Kashmir), July 27: A discerning feature of the annual Amarnath Yatra has been the presence of large number of women personnel, particularly, to guard against any
presence of female militants.
They are increasingly playing a proactive role in
security operations and their functioning has become crucial,
be it the pilgrimage to Amarnath or peace-keeping missions
abroad.
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has two full fledged
female battalions, the first of their kind in Asia whose
services are used for a wide range of security operations
within the country and abroad, its personnel said here.
"Companies of our battalion are stationed in Kashmir,
Guwahati, Ayodhya and Gandhinagar; a team is reportedly being
readied for peace-keeping in Kosovo and our personnel are also
sent to work with the rapid action force," an Assistant
Commandant with 135 CRPF Battalion Ravi Kala said.
She said as part of the high-level security in yatri-
camps of the entire Amarnath stretch, women are deployed in
all the major stops in the pilgrimage.
Since terrorists may try to launch an attack by mingling
with the pilgrims which include women in thousands, female
personnel help ensure Yatra camps are sensitised.
Chetram Yadav, a deputy commandant, 135 CRPF Battalion
said role of women is crucial to counter terrorism as it is
feared female militants could be active in large numbers.
Officials said even otherwise their role is particularly
crucial for frisking people at various points since terrorists
can try sneaking in "wearing burqas".
Bureau Report
