New Delhi, Sept. 25 -- The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Friday marked four decades of women warriors in its ranks, commemorating the raising of its first women's combat battalion in 1986.

A function was organised at the Shaurya Officers' Institute in New Delhi, attended by CRPF Director General G P Singh, senior officials, women veterans, serving personnel and distinguished guests.

Director General (DG) Singh and Anamika Singh, president of the CRPF Family Welfare Association (CWA), unfurled the flag during the event. The DG paid tribute to women personnel, felicitated veterans and acknowledged the sacrifices made by women members of the force and their families.

He said the contribution of women warriors to the CRPF had been steadily expanding, with women personnel playing important roles in counter-insurgency operations, law-and-order duties and other assignments.

He said the force would continue working to create more opportunities for women personnel to contribute and develop their careers.

The CRPF also expressed its gratitude to the families of personnel who have supported them through challenging operations. Singh highlighted the CWA's initiatives aimed at supporting CRPF families.

The force described the 88th Mahila Battalion, raised in 1986, as a pioneer in the deployment of women personnel. Since then, women have participated in major assignments involving counter-terrorism, riot control, VIP security, anti-Naxal operations and United Nations peacekeeping missions.

According to the CRPF, women personnel have also received gallantry and distinguished service medals for their contributions while serving in challenging areas across the country.

The force said women have served in diverse roles, including as constables, drivers, clerks and account assistants, besides other responsibilities. In recent years, their deployment has expanded to difficult operational areas, making them an integral part of the country's internal security framework.

The 40-year milestone highlighted the expanding role of women in the CRPF and their contribution across different operational and support assignments, the force said.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.