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.

Also Read: BSF Assistant Commadant Neha Bhandari Awarded Commendation Disc by Army Chief for Gallantry in Operation Sindoor

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.

In a ceremony underscoring valor and frontline leadership, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi presented the prestigious Commendation Disc to Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari of the Border Security Force (BSF) Jammu for her outstanding bravery during Operation Sindoor. The honor was conferred in the presence of top military officials, reflecting the significance of her contributions to national defense.

Also Read: 7 BSF Women Led by AC Neha Bhandari Defend Border Posts for 3 Days, Force Pakistani Retreat

Neha Bhandari, a third-generation officer from Uttarakhand, earned the accolade for commanding a BSF company deployed at the forward Pargwal sector along the International Border in Akhnoor. Under her leadership, the BSF unit effectively silenced three hostile Pakistani posts, delivering a decisive response to cross-border aggression. Her outpost, situated just meters from Pakistani positions, was one of the most vulnerable during the conflict.

Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, has seen the BSF and Indian Army working in coordination to target and neutralize threats emanating from across the border. Official figures report that the BSF has so far destroyed 76 Pakistani border outposts, 42 forward defense locations, and three terrorist launch pads.

General Dwivedi, who took charge as the Army Chief on June 30, 2024, praised Neha’s courage and operational acumen, noting her role as a symbol of the increasing involvement and impact of women in India’s security forces. Her recognition highlights the BSF’s proud history of being India’s “first line of defense,” a reputation established during the 1971 war and reaffirmed through modern operations like Sindoor.

The ceremony came amid heightened tensions in Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly Hindu pilgrims. The Indian security response, led by coordinated strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has aimed to dismantle terror infrastructure and deter future attacks.

Neha Bhandari’s commendation is not only a personal milestone but also a powerful message of encouragement to women in uniform and a reaffirmation of the BSF’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding India’s borders, especially along the critical 190-kilometer stretch of the International Border in Jammu that includes the districts of Jammu, Samba, and Kathua.

On May 29, 2025, the Border Security Force (BSF) apprehended a Pakistani national who had illegally crossed the International Border near Pathankot, a region long prone to cross-border incursions. BSF personnel detected suspicious movement ahead of the fence and swiftly intercepted the individual, who was later handed over to the Narot Jaimal Singh Police Station for further investigation.

According to a statement from the BSF Jammu unit, the capture occurred during a period of heightened security vigilance following recent terror-related incidents. The arrest closely follows a series of cross-border provocations and India’s large-scale counterterrorism operation, Operation Sindoor, launched earlier in May.

The backdrop to the incident includes the devastating Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which left 26 civilians dead. In retaliation, Indian forces carried out precision strikes on May 7 against nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including key targets in Bahawalpur and Muridke.

Pathankot remains a high-risk sector, with several infiltration attempts recorded in recent months. On February 26, BSF thwarted another intrusion in the same area, highlighting ongoing threats along this strategic stretch. The most recent Pathankot incident comes just days after BSF troops neutralized another infiltrator in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified significantly. On May 10, India accused Pakistan of launching coordinated attacks on 26 strategic sites, including the Pathankot airbase and civilian infrastructure. Pakistan has countered with accusations of Indian aggression, as heavy shelling continues along the Line of Control, resulting in casualties on both sides.

India has responded with a full-spectrum diplomatic and military posture, including the deployment of additional troops, activation of Territorial Army reserves, and a suite of punitive measures such as suspending visa services and expelling Pakistani diplomats. Diplomatic channels remain active, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio currently mediating talks between both nations to prevent further escalation.

Observers warn that the situation bears alarming similarities to past flashpoints like the Pulwama and Mumbai attacks, particularly given the civilian toll and military targeting. The ongoing security developments along the border underscore the volatility of the region and the critical importance of sustained vigilance by Indian forces.