KOHIMA:
382 new mahila recruits marched in perfect rhythm and synchronisation and were attested at the parade ground of the Assam Rifles Centre at Shokhuvi in Nagaland on November 8.
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 specialisation in Counter Insurgency operations.
This attestation parade was unique for the fact that it had only Mahila Recruits and the Parade was led by Major Swati Basedia, a lady officer posted at the ARTC & S.
The attestation parade was reviewed by the Lieutenant General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik (Retd), Governor of Arunachal Pradesh in the presence of Lieutenant General Pradeep Chandran Nair, Param Director General of Assam Rifles, and other senior officers of the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles.
Addressing the recruits, the Reviewing Officer highlighted the rich history of the Assam Rifles as the oldest paramilitary force of the country and its multiple roles.
Notably, the Assam Rifles had inducted Riflewomen in all frontline duties since 2015.
The brave Riflewomen have proved their mettle not only in the North East but also in J&K and in UN Missions. Women contingents of Assam Rifles have also proved their mettle in Republic Day Parades in 2019 and 2023.
Their presence in the frontline duties not only instil a sense of security amongst the local women and children but also boosts the image of the country as being a progressive Women Empowered Country. In the end, he congratulated the recruits and their proud parents on successful completion of their training and wished them success and happiness in all their future endeavours.