This archive report was first published on 19 July 2021.
On July 19, 2021, Indian authorities in Kashmir began holding drilling exercises to recruit female police officers, a move aimed at improving security operations in the region.
The recruitment drive, which targeted women's endurance and health, was part of the Indian government's efforts to address criticism of its policing in Kashmir.
According to a statement from the local police department, the physical exercises were specifically designed to measure the candidates' physical fitness and health to join the two female-only battalions in Jammu and Kashmir.
As many as 500 candidates showed up per day, seeking positions as police constables, with a selection panel led by women.
The training and choice of female-only recruits signal a shift in India's policy in the wake of criticisms of police harassment of women in the region during security crackdowns.
Having more women in the security agencies could also break myths about the role of the police, officials said.
The region has been troubled since 2019, following a change in law that put it directly under the national government in New Delhi.
Authorities had earlier imposed a crackdown to control what they described as a security situation, but rights watchdogs had accused Indian security agencies of using excessive force, including in frisking of suspects.
