In a landmark moment for women in uniform, seven female Border Security Force (BSF) officers led by Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari held two forward border posts in the Akhnoor sector for three continuous days during Operation Sindoor, forcing Pakistani forces to abandon their forward locations. This unprecedented deployment marks the first instance of a female officer commanding a frontline post, with the Indian Army yet to induct women into such direct roles.
Under AC Bhandari’s command, the team, dubbed “Seema Praharis,” maintained a strong defense despite intense cross-border fire. Among the seven officers were two veterans, Manjit Kour and Malkit Kour from Punjab, each with nearly 17 years of service. Positioned inside compact bunkers that doubled as observation posts, the seasoned pair formed the backbone of the unit.
The remaining four officers—Swapna Rath and Shampa Basak from West Bengal, Sumi Xess from Jharkhand, and Jyoti Banian from Odisha—had joined the BSF only in 2023. For them, Operation Sindoor posed a baptism by fire. Their resilience, however, reflected the effectiveness of BSF’s gender-inclusive training regime. All four, alongside their commander, stood firm under pressure, showcasing courage, composure, and professional excellence.
Neha Bhandari, who joined the BSF just three years ago, hails from a family rooted in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), with her mother still actively serving. Speaking about the operation, Bhandari revealed that senior male officers had offered the women an option to withdraw due to the risks involved. “I obviously declined. When we trained as soldiers, our regimen was the same as our male counterparts. This was our opportunity to prove we are just as capable,” she stated.
The BSF described India’s response to Pakistani aggression as “forceful and efficient,” with this all-women unit playing a key role in achieving tactical dominance in the Akhnoor sector. Their stand ensured that Pakistani forces were forced to vacate their forward defense positions, dealing a symbolic and strategic blow to cross-border hostilities.
This operation not only highlights the bravery of these seven officers but also marks a milestone in the evolving role of women in India’s defense forces, reinforcing the BSF’s commitment to gender parity and frontline readiness.
