An all-woman Border Security Force (BSF) team led by Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari bravely held their ground during a three-day exchange of fire with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector. Despite heavy shelling and an option to withdraw, the team defended their post and forced the enemy to retreat during Pakistan’s response to India’s Operation Sindoor.

This was the first time these seven BSF women, most of whom had joined just two to three years ago, faced a real combat situation. Yet, they showed courage and strength, making it a moment of pride for the force.Neha Bhandari, who joined the BSF three years ago, became the first woman officer from India to lead a team in a combat role. While the Indian Army has yet to place women in similar frontline positions, this marks a historic step for women in India’s armed forces.

Under Operation Sindoor, the BSF struck 76 Pakistani border outposts and 42 forward defence locations, destroyed three terrorist launch pads, and damaged 70 Pakistani positions. The bravery of these women soldiers during intense conflict highlights their dedication and the growing role of women in national defence.

Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari and her all-woman BSF team were told they could leave their post during heavy shelling by Pakistani soldiers. But Bhandari decided to stay and fight. Her family has a strong history of serving in the armed force, her grandfather was in the Army, and both her parents worked in the CRPF.

“I am proud to guard a post near the International Border with my team. It is very close to a Pakistani post,” Bhandari told PTI. “It was an honour to fight back with all the weapons we had.”During the fight, the women soldiers held important positions and fired back hard at the Pakistani posts nearby.“I was in charge of three posts,” Bhandari said. “We stopped the enemy at all three places. We used every weapon we had. The enemy had to run away.”

The fight lasted for three days and nights. It ended when the BSF’s strong and constant firing made the Pakistani soldiers leave their posts.Apart from Neha six other women took part in the fighting. Four joined the force in 2023, and two had nearly 20 years of experience. Manjit Kour and Malkit Kour from Punjab led important posts.

For Swapna Rath, Shampa Basak, Sumi Xess, and Jyoti Banian, this mission tested their training.Constable Shankari Das said, “We were told to be ready and fight back if fired upon. When it started, we fought back.” She added, “Everyone was very motivated and did their best for the country.” Bhandari said she had 18 to 19 women guards with her, and six were directly firing at enemy posts.Women have worked hard to get combat roles. This brave action by the BSF women will inspire others. Recently, 17 women officer cadets graduated for the first time from the National Defence Academy.