A line of hopeful women candidates for the women IRB stand outside the SP’s office in Dimapur. Growing unemployment and economic hardships have prompted many young girls to join the police force. And despite being aware of the rigorous lifestyle awaiting them, the girls are ready to face the challenges. (Morung Photo)
Y Merina Chishi
Dimapur | May 4
Dreaming of Khaki and armed with a weapon, Deepali can’t wait to join the Nagaland Armed Police. Her dream of being in the police force is now within reach as she waits to step in for an oral interview at the Superintendent of Police’s office in Dimapur.
Confident and geared to face the panel of interviewees, Deepali is hopeful she will make it through. A Kachari born in Dimapur, Deepali studied only up to standard eight and had to drop out due to financial constraints in the family. All her siblings left schooling after their father died some years ago. Her mother, a farmer, is unable to provide even their basic necessities. Deepali’s mother has been very supportive of her decision to join the police force. And the entire family’s hope is pinned on Deepali who, if selected, will be the only bread earner in her family.
The Nagaland government’s decision to raise the first ever Mahila IR battalion drew thousands of young girls from across the state. Growing economic hardship, unemployment has driven most of these women to join the police force and take other bold steps as they try to help their families cope with the difficult and uncertain life they find themselves in.
Defying social typecasts, girls like Deepali are ready to face the challenges of life ahead.
Twenty years old Riignoseno Nakhro from Medziphema village practiced hard for one month before taking the physical tests on April 29. Her hard work paid off and she’s all ready to take the oral interview. Coming from similar economic conditions like Deepali, Riignoseno’s desire of obtaining a government service is almost close. Her parents are farmers and don’t earn enough to look after all the children. Despite being just twenty years of age, Riignoseno passed her eighth standard just last year.
She is hoping that her induction into the IRB will place her in a position to help her two younger sisters complete their studies. Similarly, Shikali Sumi and Thambadin who qualified in the physical tests were determined to save a seat for themselves in the state’s first Mahila IR battalion.
The lack of interest in studies and subsequent unemployment problems prompted them to try their luck in the police force, almost like a last resort.
Dimapur Superintendent of Police, Liremo Lotha, a member of the panel of interviewees says most of the girls posed enthusiasm and keenness to join the police force. He says that most of them have set their priority to fight crime against women. The SP also admits that many of those who come from economically poor backgrounds, getting the job mean everything for them.
Many girls say that it is the ‘sense of duty’ that has drawn them to the field but many still hold the stereotype mindset of holding a ‘government service.’ And interestingly, most parents also feel the same way. The rigorous nature of work is not a deterrent for any of the girls since ‘buying’ government service posts is beyond their means, they say and they prefer to get it the hard way. This is only the beginning for some young girls and some wish to try again if they fail to make it this time.
