75 CRPF women ‘Daredevils’ embark on 1,848 km ride from Delhi to Naxal bastion Chhattisgarh

New Delhi: In what is being called a first-of-its-kind effort so far, 75 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) women ‘Daredevils’ on March 9 embarked on a 1,848 km bike rally from India Gate here in the national capital to Naxal bastion Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh.

The women’s bike rally, which promotes women’s empowerment and that Naxalism or Maoism is on the verge of ending, will conclude on March 25 in Jagdalpur, where the CRPF Day Parade will be conducted that day in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

During their 17-day journey on Royal Enfield motorcycles, the 75 female CRPF riders would go through nearly five States.

Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi flagged off the CRPF Women biker rally from India Gate, where CRPF’s women personnel showcased a rifle drill and a presentation by women pipe band and drummers, were also displayed in the event.

“As the country is celebrating the 75th year of India’s independence, 75 women bikers of CRPF will cover five states in their 1,848 km ride during their journey from here at India Gate to Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh. This women’s bike rally will culminate in Jagdalpur on March 25, when we will be celebrating the CRPF Anniversary Parade in the the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah ji,” CRPF Director General Sujoy Lal Thaosen told ANI.

“During their journey, the women bikers will be in touch with school children, Aanganwadi workers and those working with self-help groups. They will inspire them too.”

The DG said several women bikers participating in the rally could not ride bikes earlier, but they were trained and now have the experience of riding on bikes of nearly 300 km in one go.

Sujoy Lal Thaosen added that the bike rally and CRPF Anniversary Parade celebration in Jagdalpur would give a big message that the day is not far when Naxalism will be completely rooted out from the country.

The women’s bike rally from India Gate in Delhi to Chhattisgarh’s naxal bastion Jagdalpur gives a “clear message for women that we are sensitive as well as protectors of India,” said MoS Meenakshi Lekhi.

“CRPF has almost ended Naxalism and Jagdalpur is the most Naxal affected area where the women bikers of the force are going with a message of peace, security and goodwill,” Meenakshi Lekhi said.

The CRPF, a force with nearly 3.5 lakh personnel, is responsible for ensuring security in Naxal-affected areas across the country as well as in terror-hit Jammu and Kashmir.