CRPF inducts 34 Women Commandos into its Anti-Naxal CoBRA Unit

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) inducted 34 women commandos into its specialised Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) unit for the first time on February 7, 2021. 

The CoBRA unit is skilled in guerrilla tactics and jungle warfare and is deployed in Naxal-affected areas. It was raised in 2009. 

The commandos inducted into the CoBRA Unit have to undergo arduous training. They are expected to have tough mental and physical attributes to tackle situations in violence-prone states.

Key Highlights 

•The 34 women commandos were inducted into the unit during the 35th Raising Day of the CRPF's 88th Mahila Battalion. 

•The women commandos will undergo strenuous training for a period of three months, which will reinforce their physical capabilities and tactical acumen.

•The women personnel will be imparted next-level training in explosives, fieldcraft, tactical planning, firing and special weapons and jungle survival skills.

•Subsequently, after completion of their training, the Mahila Warriors will be embedded with CoBRA units deployed in Naxal-affected districts of Chhattisgarh such as Dantewada, Bijapur and Sukma. 

•An all-women brass band was also introduced during CRPF's 35th Raising Day. 

•All the Mahila personnel of CRPF forming the first all-women brass band will also have to undergo a training course to acquire the requisite skills on the musical instruments. 

•The CRPF already has one all-women pipe band.

Background

"The Central Reserve Police Force has a history of empowered women warriors who have not just brought laurels to the force but have also made the country proud by conspicuous gallantry both at home in India and abroad in several UN peacekeeping missions, " said CRPF Director General AP Maheshwari.  He added that gender neutrality adds to the diversity of the force and empowered women make an empowered family which eventually empowers the nation.