Sukhovi: Three hundred and eighty-two new women recruits passed out at the Assam Rifles Training Centre and School at Sokhuvi in Nagaland on Wednesday.
The recruits underwent gruelling training for 44 weeks in battle craft, weapon handling, jungle lane shooting and specialization in counter-insurgency operations.
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General (Retired) K.T. Parnaik reviewed the attestation parade of the Assam Rifles Mahila (Women) in presence of Assam Rifles Chief Lieutenant General P.C. Nair and and other senior officers of the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles.
This attestation parade was unique for the fact that it had only women recruits and the parade was led by Major Swati Basedia, a lady officer posted at the Assam Rifles Centre and School.
The Governor was accorded national salute by the parade. Thereafter, he inspected the parade and took salute from the marching columns.
Addressing the recruits, Governor said that the joining of women in the armed forces reflects the changing scenario of the nation.
He said the women recruits’ attestation parade is the best example of women empowerment.
“These women personnel will secure a good livelihood for themselves and for their family and also inspire the girls in the future to stand on their own feet and contribute to the progress of the nation,” he told the new recruits.
The Governor, while appreciating the smart turn out of the women recruits in the parade commended the officers and instructors of the training centre, which aims to make capable, disciplined and physically and mentally fit soldiers.
“Assam Rifles personnel are stationed in Counter Insurgency operation areas; therefore, it is very important that they prepare themselves to take on their responsibilities with efficiency and effectiveness,” Parnaik said.
The newly passed out Riflewomen soldiers will now join their respective units in all frontline duties and continue to serve the country thereby making it a moment of glory not only for the Assam Rifles but also for the entire nation.
After the passing out parade, the Governor personally met the overall best recruit Riflewoman Nonie Chizo, best recruit in physicals Riflewoman Veplilu Hoshi and a very capable recruit of Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh Riflewoman Lushangi Yobin.
