Led by Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari, seven BSF women defended two posts in Akhnoor. Their courage under heavy fire marked a historic combat role.
On May 7, 2025, seven women from the Border Security Force (BSF), led by Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari, defended two forward posts in Akhnoor for 72 hours during Operation Sindoor. Facing intense cross-border fire from Pakistani forces, the team stood firm despite the option to retreat. Neha, just three years into her service, became the first woman officer to command both BSF and Army reinforcements in a combat role, leading the counterattack until the enemy posts fell silent.
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people. The BSF women’s unit fired relentlessly, showcasing exceptional grit. Neha later shared, “We were given the option to leave, but every woman chose to stay and fight. Male or female, we fought shoulder to shoulder. We fired twice as much as the enemy.” Their actions inflicted heavy damage on Pakistani positions and terror infrastructure along the International Border.
This marked a historic moment for women in uniform, with Union Minister Annapurna Devi stating on May 26 that Operation Sindoor set a new example of women’s leadership. The bravery of these “Seema Praharis” continues to inspire as of May 30, 2025.
