Assam Riflewomen deployed in Kashmir to assist male soldiers in combating militancy

Army men in Kashmir have now got vital support in conducting security-related operations with woman soldiers from the Assam Rifles assisting the troops in maintaining peace in the Valley.

The Assam Riflewomen have been deployed in some areas of Kashmir where they help the male soldiers in frisking women and children at motor-vehicle checkpoints. They also help in house to house searches during cordon and search operations. But more than their primary role, these riflewomen are happy shattering the myths around Kashmir and inspiring local girls to dream bigger and aim higher in life.

Riflewoman Rekha Kumari, who hails from Vardhman District of West Bengal, has served in Manipur and Nagaland before arriving in the valley a month ago. "There are apprehensions and fears about coming to Kashmir but then we are here in the service of the nation. Also, there is too much myth around Kashmir. People here are nice and we feel good while interacting with them," Kumari said.

The Assam Rifles women were initially deployed in Kupwara district to check the rising drug trafficking. The army men were finding it difficult to frisk the women suspects moving close to areas along the Line of control. The induction of riflewomen has helped the security forces to check the smuggling of drugs from across the LoC.

Both riflewomen are happy that local girls look up to them for inspiration.