Sanjukta Parashar, a 2006-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, has become the first woman Inspector General (IG) to lead the CRPF’s CoBRA unit. She succeeds 1996-batch IPS officer Danesh Rana. This appointment is relevant for aspirants following important appointments and developments in the Indian security and administrative system. Students preparing for APSC can also explore APSC coaching centers for structured preparation in current affairs and General Studies.
CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) is a specialised CRPF force trained for jungle warfare and counter-insurgency operations. This appointment highlights the growing participation of women officers in senior operational roles within India’s security forces.
In this article, you will learn about Sanjukta Parashar, CRPF’s CoBRA Unit and its role and the significance.
Why Is Sanjukta Parashar in the News?
Sanjukta Parashar came into the news after the CRPF appointed her as the first woman IG of CoBRA. The force has ten battalions and specialises in operations in difficult forest and insurgency-affected areas. Such important appointments can be relevant to current-affairs preparation for aspirants looking to crack APSC exam online, particularly when covering internal security, governance, and important national developments
Her appointment also marks a significant development in women’s leadership in India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). According to reports, women officers already head several other CRPF formations, including sectors in the Northeast, Jammu, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Who Is Sanjukta Parashar?
Sanjukta Parashar belongs to the 2006 batch of the Indian Police Service and the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. She has served in both state policing and national-level security institutions. Her educational background includes Graduation in Political Science from Indraprastha College, University of Delhi. She did her master’s degree in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University. She has also served in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and held several operational assignments in Assam.
What is the CoBRA Unit of CRPF?
CoBRA stands for Commando Battalion for Resolute Action. The CRPF established the specialised force in 2008-09 primarily to tackle Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and conduct operations in challenging forest terrain. It has also undertaken operations against insurgency in parts of the Northeast.
CoBRA personnel receive specialised training for operations such as jungle warfare, counter-insurgency operations, and operations in difficult terrain. They are also trained for long-range field operations and counter-ambush tactics. These aspects can be relevant to aspirants studying internal security and national security for civil services examinations, with UPSC coaching in North East India offering structured support for such topics.
The unit continues to operate in areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism, particularly in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, while CoBRA battalions have also been deployed in Manipur.
What Has Been Sanjukta Parashar’s Role in Counter-Insurgency?
Before joining CoBRA, she gained extensive experience in Assam and national security institutions. Reports note that she led counter-insurgency operations in Assam, particularly in the state’s upper region. This background can be relevant for aspirants studying internal security, insurgency, and Northeast India-related topics. Coaching classes for UPSC in Assam can provide structured preparation for these areas along with broader General Studies coverage.
She later served with the NIA, where she worked on national-security investigations. Her experience across state policing and central investigative work has contributed to her operational profile.
The media has referred to her as the “Iron Lady of Assam”, particularly in connection with her counter-insurgency work.
Why Is this Appointment Significant?
- Strengthens women’s leadership: First, the appointment places a woman officer at the head of one of the CRPF’s specialised operational formations. It expands the representation of women in senior security leadership.
- Highlights operational experience: Moreover, her career includes field policing, counter-insurgency and national-security assignments. This background is particularly relevant to a force specialising in challenging operational environments.
- Supports gender inclusion in security forces: Furthermore, the appointment reflects the increasing presence of women officers in senior CRPF positions. Women officers currently lead several CRPF formations, according to CRPF sources cited by news agencies.
- Strengthens Northeast representation: Finally, Sanjukta Parashar’s Assam-Meghalaya cadre background connects the appointment with the Northeast’s broader role in India’s internal-security framework.
Conclusion
Sanjukta Parashar’s appointment as the first woman IG of CRPF’s CoBRA unit marks an important development in India’s security leadership. Moreover, her experience in counter-insurgency operations and the NIA adds a strong operational dimension to the appointment. The development also highlights the expanding role of women in leadership positions within India’s security forces.
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Source:
IE
Frequently Asked Question
1. Who is Sanjukta Parashar?
Sanjukta Parashar is a 2006-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. She became the first woman Inspector General (IG) to lead the CRPF’s CoBRA unit.
2. What is the CoBRA unit of CRPF?
CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) is a specialised CRPF force established in 2008-09. It conducts jungle warfare, counter-insurgency operations and anti-Left-Wing Extremism operations in difficult terrains.
3. Why is Sanjukta Parashar’s appointment important?
Her appointment highlights the growing role of women officers in India’s security forces. Moreover, it strengthens women’s leadership in specialised operational roles within the Central Armed Police Forces.
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