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They
are agile like cats but do not walk the ramp. They have swapped
bindis and the bangles for a pair of Black Dungarees and AK-47s.
These gutsy women are in the elite league of the nation's
first "Mahila Commandos." Jayalakshmi Sengupta gives
a lowdown in this first ever interview with these tough women
Getting permission
to meet the 'Mahila Commandos' was a long process. When at
last it came through, a palpable thrill swept over me. Black
Cat Women Commandos! Who were these plucky women? Walking
through the formidable corridors of the National Security
Guards (NSG) premises, I tried to recreate that image of the
proverbial Amazons. It was, therefore, more than a surprise
to be introduced to a group of extremely charming, simple
and straightforward girls, some soft-spoken, others affable.
Three of them were even married with small children.
Lady officers in the Police or the Defence
Forces are not uncommon anymore. In just a decade's time,
following the footsteps of Kiran Bedi, a large number of them
have moved from "soft jobs" to independent tough
posts, (as District SHO's or to commanding a completely male
battalion). They speak volumes in a country where female infanticide,
child marriage and dowry deaths still make headlines. Induction
of women Commandos is a quantum leap in the empowerment process.
In a bid to pursue gender equity, R S Mooshahary,
Director General of NSG, mooted the idea early in mid June
2002.The first batch of trainees was inducted in 2003. "
Mahila Commandos", Mooshahari's brainchild, are the first
of its kind -" as in no other outfit (defence or the
paramilitary forces) do they form part of a regular combat
team but exist only as a support system", explained Mooshahary.
Naturally, it has generated speculation on the feasibility
of their existence in a social structure such as ours. "
In a country of paradoxes where the female form is worshipped
as a goddess, but looked down upon in its human entity, it
is a deliberate step forward to bring about a sweeping change
in our mindset and break a few myths, " quipped the DG.
"Many smaller nations already have women employed as
sky marshals; no reason why we can't achieve the same if not
more".
With the threat of terrorism hovering in
the backdrop, it is "an imperative need" today to
have an equally competent female combat team to launch surgical
strike operations, reminded Major General Mono Bhagat, IG,
Operations. The selection was thrown open to all serving policewomen
across the country. From little villages of Jammu to Kerala,
small towns of Bangdubi to Barmer, from runaway matriculates
to post-graduates, they came for the initial 90 days probation.
Only 13 were retained for advanced training. Between 24 and
34 ages, this selected lot had 8 to 12 years of service experience
with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in various positions
(from constables to inspector). But mainstream operation is
a tremendous challenge, as it allows almost no concession,
and a terribly harsh, and uncompromising lifestyle for a band
of women. Will they be able to discharge their task as effectively?
This is not about hand-to-hand scuffle. Unarmed
combat is a skill that requires more mental sharpness than
muscle power. These skilled Commandos will be able to perform
the same duties, in mixed roles along with their male counterparts,
in aviation security and all intervention tasks at the end
of their training. What could have inspired these women to
embrace such a harsh, uncompromising lifestyle? The dignity
of a Commando uniform, the black dungaree with a Black Cat
logo on the armband and a black beret drove a clear message
home - "We are not just anyone". Most of them were
top athletes having represented their States in various events.
And, most of them have had to make difficult choices in life
against tremendous resistance from family and society at large.
But they are all survivors and achievers in some way or the
other. Yet, tucked away among the jungle boots and rifles,
were a colourful lehenga or a toy for the five-year-old (who
fails to recognise her mother after each prolonged separation).
Their enormous commitment on one hand, and
their womanly concern and anguish on the other, make them
larger than life and touchingly courageous. Coming from humble
backgrounds, a job, a decent permanent source of income was
a basic, indisputable need. On the other hand, love for adventure
was a haunting passion. "A hobby for a living seemed
like an answer to our prayers." The Commando uniform
promised a further exposure onto the hitherto uncharted territories
of a male dominated profession. However, "None of us
knew what exactly we were setting ourselves for when we jumped
at the prospect of joining the CRPF and later NSG", was
an honest admission. Along with rigorous physical training,
which comprises long route marches to building up their stamina,
firing is a crucial skill they learn to hone. They cannot
afford to miss their mark. Difficult obstacle courses, slithering
and jumping from a hovering helicopter, operating in simulated
combat situations on land, air and sea etc. are part of their
daily routine. "Successful Commando operations are just
as much about an individual as the whole team. The one charging
at the enemy or dying from a stray bullet, or those behind
him laying down covering fire, providing technical support
and the command and control elements, are cogs in a well oiled
wheel," explained Brig Seethapathy, Force Commander of
NSG, the patron guide of this motley lot.
Players operate in a decentralised
fashion, split second decision-making and precision of action
being at the core of their efficiency. It is always the team,
which ultimately accomplishes the goal, just like a football
match. Military successes in commando operation therefore
spell of great amounts of discipline inculcated through years
of training and individual grit. Shahnaj, the leader of the
team, is a post-graduate in Economics and an Inspector in
the CRPF. She feels the training has improved her stamina
tremendously as well as operational acumen. A 40 km march
with weapons and a weight of 5 kg on the back, which she had
to undertake during induction, seem nothing compared to the
training she has had to undertake as a Commando. "We
have proven ourselves worthy of our Black outfits,"she
says with considerable pride. Yet strange as it may seem despite
the respect and adulation they have had over a period of time,
Cupid hasn't exactly been kind to them. Suitors have apparently
been running away! "Bahu aur Commando? Kabhi nahi!"
(A Commando as a wife? Never!) Neelam, a trainee, mimics impishly.
It is, however, a sad realisation that most men are still
unable to accept a woman with an unconventional career as
a companion. Protima and Mahilamani have been lucky to get
a CRPF employee husbands and supportive family members to
take care of the children back in the village. For Chandarani,
Sreeja, Uma and Usha, marriage may not be a viable option
anymore even as they wistfully watch their bio clock ticking
away. Protima's daily torment of having to stay away from
her little ones for months on end has crushed their desire
for a family. "Men don't have to take a break to raise
a family. Neither do they have to feel guilty of their wife
bringing up the children," they point out. Yes, life
seems unjust at times. Equality and special privileges are
all about square pegs in round holes. "Considering the
high rates of unemployment, the dismal economic situation
for the underprivileged, and the pathetic position of woman
in the society, we are a privileged lot. We are capable of
looking after ourselves both physically and financially, "
says Jyoti and the rest agree. "No doubt, as women in
any profession we have to be ready to make the sacrifices,
quash some aspects of our life for a successful career. But
then we could have lived listlessly, wallowing in self-pity,"
the women put it in the true spirit of a Commando.
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