The six companies comprise women officers adding up to 650 when you include the support staff who have just completed training and are on their first `job'. "They are all aged between 18-25 years. Most of them have a rural background and had never been to a metropolitan city. This is a completely new experience for them. They were slightly apprehensive since it is their first posting. But they have adapted well and possibly know more about the city now than I do,'' said their deputy commandant, Temjensenla.
These Naga policewomen were deployed on September 21 as part of the Indian reserve battalions exclusively on Games duty and will be in the capital till October 15. The officers got basic police training for nine months and are in the midst of completing special commando training. "They are equipped to handle a variety of weapons such as 303 rifles, 7.62 SLRs, AK-47, 9-mm pistols, LMGs, carbine and insaas rifles. Commando training includes obstacle training, warfare tactics, map reading and night patrolling. The girls can tackle any emergency situation. We are confident they will prove their mettle,'' claimed Temjensenla.
The young officers appear shy, but confident nonetheless. "I am glad to get this kind of exposure. When I was leaving home, I was warned by my family to be careful. We had heard so much about Delhi criminals,'' quipped 20-year-old Sunjen Mongla, who is from Mokokchung district. Working in eight-hour shifts, they are on the lookout for any suspicious persons. The women recently caught hold of a gang of pickpockets operating at Rajeev Chowk Metro station.
"It is a matter of pride to be part of the Commonwealth Games security. We come from a small state and are happy to be able to contribute and show our professionalism. This is a big opportunity,'' said one of the officers.
Do these girls get encouragement from their families and male officers? "Things have changed a lot since I joined 16 years ago. At that time it was rare for women to join the police. Junior male officers would not take orders from a woman. But today, we have a female SP in one district and women are treated on a par with men. The advertisements for recruitment of an all-women battalion got a tremendous response last year. These officers were selected after a tough elimination process,'' explained Temjensenla.
Twenty-four-year-old Lolevile from Kohima district said, "My family has always been into farming. I was drawn to the police as I liked the idea of wearing the uniform and handling guns. It is a tough life but I am glad to be a part of it.''
Their only regret is that they could not explore the city and its various tourist attractions. "The girls are disciplined and tough. Duty comes first, always,'' said Temjensenla. And her battalion seems to agree. "We will come again to Delhi just to enjoy the city. Right now we only want to make sure the Games go off smoothly,'' said the policewomen.