In a first, the Central Reserve Police Force of India has deployed a team of 135 women commandos in parts of Jharkhand facing Maoist insurgency. The women belong to the 232 battalion’s Delta company and are currently undertaking operations under the guidance of the CRPF’s 133 battalion near Khunti on the outskirts of Ranchi.

CRPF officers told PTI that the commandos are experts in carrying out all types of “anti-Maoist operations”. They are equipped with modern weapons and software that help them execute their plans. “They have been provided extensive training in CRPF academies specially for countering Naxals. Since the induction of women commandos, the strength of our operation in Naxal-infested areas has increased two-fold,” said Neeraj Pandey, CRPF commander of the 133rd battalion.

CRPF Director General GVH Giri Prasad added that these commandos are a key strength again women fighters among the Maoists. “They are well-prepared and well-groomed to face any situation and hardships.” The CRPF believes that inducting women will not only bring them on a par with the ultras who have women fighting on their side, but will also help them gather local intelligence as women personnel may be able to interact better with local women in the villages.

In May this year, the CRPF had announced that it will deploy 567 women commandos to combat “left-wing extremism”. “ Initially, these women personnel will be deployed in one company at a time and after some time their deployment and work utility will be scaled up,” an officer had said.