Amid rising tensions and India preparing for civil mock defence drills, women who extensively participated in the India-Pakistan 1971 war while serving as Home Guards in Bhuj have expressed their desire to serve the country again if an opportunity arises.
Remembering the war days, Jyotiben Upadhyay, who served as a Home Guard, said that they used to visit the Bhuj streets in groups during blackouts and assured people that everything was normal.
Speaking to ANI, Upadhyay said, "I had joined the Home Guard services in 1971. When the war had started, Pakistan had thrown 17 bombs on Bhuj in a single day...there was a blackout in Bhuj, we all used to go in the streets together and comfort the people who were scared of the situation."
During the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, a group of women of Bhuj played an essential role in defeating Pakistan by rebuilding the damaged Indian Air Force (IAF) airstrip after Pakistani air strikes. According to Indian Air Force, Bhuj runway was attacked by enemy aircraft on the night of December, 8, 1971.
These women re-constructed an air-strip for the Indian Air Force within 72 hours after it was destroyed in Pakistani air strikes during the 1971 war.
"Today, the same situation is arising again; terrorists have again attacked Kashmir. Innocent civilians were killed. There is definitely an atmosphere of war on the borders. We women will have to gather courage and be alert again...Even if they call us today for any desk job, I am ready to serve again," she added.
Jyoti Kothari, who also served in the Home Guards in 1971, said that they were trained extensively on how to fire weapons.
"It was tough for woman to even to step out of the house, and we felt proud while wearing home guard uniform...I urge women here to step up for the country as the situation has worsened," she said.
Tensions have risen with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. The government has said that the perpetrators will be given severe punishment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the armed forces complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response.
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Speaking to ANI, Upadhyay said, "I had joined the Home Guard services in 1971. When the war had started, Pakistan had thrown 17 bombs on Bhuj in a single day...there was a blackout in Bhuj, we all used to go in the streets together and comfort the people who were scared of the situation."
During the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, a group of women of Bhuj played an essential role in defeating Pakistan by rebuilding the damaged Indian Air Force (IAF) airstrip after Pakistani air strikes. According to Indian Air Force, Bhuj runway was attacked by enemy aircraft on the night of December, 8, 1971.
These women re-constructed an air-strip for the Indian Air Force within 72 hours after it was destroyed in Pakistani air strikes during the 1971 war.
"Today, the same situation is arising again; terrorists have again attacked Kashmir. Innocent civilians were killed. There is definitely an atmosphere of war on the borders. We women will have to gather courage and be alert again...Even if they call us today for any desk job, I am ready to serve again," she added.
Jyoti Kothari, who also served in the Home Guards in 1971, said that they were trained extensively on how to fire weapons.
"It was tough for woman to even to step out of the house, and we felt proud while wearing home guard uniform...I urge women here to step up for the country as the situation has worsened," she said.
Tensions have risen with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. The government has said that the perpetrators will be given severe punishment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the armed forces complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response.
