Cobra Gets Its First Woman Commander, Assam Iron Lady Is Ready to Strike

Senior IPS officer Sanjukta Parashar, popularly known as the Iron Lady of Assam for her work in counter insurgency operations in the Northeast, has taken charge as Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force elite Cobra (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) unit. Her appointment makes her the first woman officer to head the specialised jungle warfare force. A 2006 batch IPS officer of the Assam Meghalaya cadre, Parashar brings extensive experience in counter insurgency operations, field policing and national-security investigations to the new assignment. The CRPF headquarters issued the appointment order last week. Parashar succeeds 1996 batch IPS officer Danesh Rana as IG, Cobra. This is the first time that the 10 battalion strong Cobra of the CRPF will be headed by a woman officer, a senior officer said. Two Cobra units were recently deployed by the CRPF in Manipur amid efforts to contain armed violence. A Specialised Jungle Warfare Force Cobra is among the CRPF’s most specialised operational formations, created for high risk mission involving jungle and guerrilla warfare. Its personnel are trained for long range patrols, intelligence based operation, ambushe and counter ambushe, as well as operations in terrain where improvised explosive devices pose a serious threat. The force has played a significant role in anti Maoist operations across states including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Maharashtra. Its commandos frequently operate in dense forests and difficult terrain, requiring coordination with other security and intelligence agencies. The Ministry of Home Affairs has credited Cobra personnel with intelligence led jungle warfare and guerrilla operations against Maoist groups. Parashar Counter Insurgency Experience Parashar professional career has included several assignments in conflict affected areas of Assam. During her early postings, she handled insurgency related security challenges, volatile law and order situations and operations involving armed militant groups. Her field work in the Northeast brought her considerable public attention and contributed to her being popularly described as the Iron Lady of Assam. Image of Parashar accompanying security personnel while carrying an AK-47 during counter insurgency operations had also attracted national attention. Her career, however, has extended beyond field deployments and includes experience in national security investigations. Her first posting came in 2008, when she served as an Assistant Commandant in Makum, Assam. She was later posted to Udalguri, an area that had witnessed violent clashes involving Bodo groups and migrants from Bangladesh. The assignment exposed her early in her career to conflict management and operational policing in a sensitive environment. Experience Beyond Field Operations Parashar has also served with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as a Deputy Inspector General. During her tenure, she handled investigations concerning terrorism, extremism and national security. Her move to the top operational position in Cobra therefore comes with experience spanning both field policing and specialised investigations. With Parashar now leading the 10 battalion formation, her appointment represents a notable milestone for women officers in India central armed police forces and places her at the helm of one of the CRPF most demanding operational units.