As tensions rise again, many women from Bhuj who helped during the India-Pakistan war in 1971 want to serve their country once more. Jyotiben Upadhyay, a former Home Guard, recalls how she and others comforted people on the streets during scary blackouts when Pakistan attacked.
She said, “When the war started, Pakistan dropped 17 bombs in a single day on Bhuj. We patrolled the streets to assure everyone that things were under control.”
In the 1971 war, these brave women contributed to the Indian Air Force by fixing the airstrip that had been damaged by enemy planes. Just hours after the attack, they rebuilt the runway so the Air Force could keep flying missions.
Today, Jyotiben sees signs of a similar threat with recent attacks in Kashmir. She stated, “Women need to be strong and ready again. I would gladly help, even with desk work.”
Another veteran, Jyoti Kothari, mentioned how they were trained to use weapons and wore their Home Guard uniforms with pride. She encouraged more women to join in service, saying, “The situation is serious, and we must step up.”
With tensions escalating after a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, the Indian government is committed to bringing justice to those responsible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is giving our armed forces full freedom to act as they see fit.
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