Dimapur, October 20 (MExN): The 15th Indian Reserve (NAP) Mahila Battalion is congratulated for “a job well-done, in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games, 2010 held at the National Capital, New Delhi.” Their professional performance of duties in Delhi has impacted a change in the mindsets of the general Indian populace’s perception about north east women, especially Nagas “with similar racial features” and who many a times “are stereotyped together.”

In fact, their performance point to the feasibility of setting up more women IR battalions, the government said today. Their performance is a “a matter of great pride that the disciplined, courteous and confident personnel of the battalion have earned plaudits from no less than the Union Home Minister, GOI, the residents of Delhi, spectators and athletes of the games and people from all walks of life and nationalities,” stated a message from legislator Dr. Nicky Kire in a congratulatory message today.

The chairman of Nagaland Khadi & Village Industries Board and advisor to Nagaland Music Task Force stated: “Despite being introduced to an alien cosmopolitan environment and being entrusted with the task of maintaining a peaceful and secure environment for the games, they have inspired confidence and a sense of security in the minds of the people. They have brought about attitudinal change in the minds of the general public as well as Delhi Police personnel towards our girls and others from the Northeast, with similar racial features and many a times, are stereotyped together.”


Working under the glare of the national and international media, the Union government, government of Delhi, various departments and agencies, Dr. Kire said, the personnel of the Mahila battalion have not attracted any “negative observation.” Rather, the MLA said, they have “set high ideals of policing” and their performance “reflects the image of our police.” The Mahila IR battalion has made the police department, the Nagaland government and the people of Nagaland proud, Kire said.

“They have also vindicated the stand of those who had vociferously advocated and fought for setting up of the Mahila battalion. Their actions merit setting up of more Mahila battalions, and will encourage parents, daughters and sisters to consider uniformed service as a serious career option,” Kire said in his message.
If support is provided by the central government, the progressive NPF-led DAN Government of Nagaland led by Neiphiu Rio “will spare no efforts to ensure more employment opportunities for our girls and the youth.”

The MLA hopes that the Mahila IR would continue to maintain ‘high standards’ and earn the goodwill and appreciation of the law-abiding citizens, whom they serve.

~ MorungExpress