<p>The most important aspect of Afghanistan is its location. The country is located right between the countries of erstwhile USSR, China, Pakistan and the major oil producing nations in the Middle East. Any country having its presence in Afghanistan is virtually having an eye over entire Asia. Being the largest democracy of the world and a nuclear power nation, India too must have its influence in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>So far, India has provided over US$2 billion in humanitarian and economic aid, making it the largest regional provider of aid for Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India&#39;s rebuilt their air links, power plants and invested heavily in health and education sectors as well as helping to train Afghan civil servants, diplomats and police. Indian teams were sent to Afghanistan to facilitate the same and at a later stage, 2004 onwards, the officials started coming to India for training at Mussouri, Hyderabad and&nbsp;Delhi. India has an important aim behind it.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/ota%20gate-20171212120427.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>OTA plays a crucial role in raising the women officers of the Afghan National Army (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Initially, after the establishment of democratic government in Afghanistan, the entire top brass of their Army, Civil Servants and Police Officers was made up of warlords, coalition fighters and senior members of various tribes. They were controlling the entire government machinery. To have a strong footprint in the Middle-East and Central Asia, it was inevitable for India to keep harmonious relations with Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Sizable numbers of Afghan National Army Officers are sent to be trained in&nbsp;India&nbsp;either at the&nbsp;Indian Military Academy&nbsp;in&nbsp;Dehradun, the&nbsp;National Defence Academy&nbsp;near&nbsp;Pune&nbsp;or the&nbsp;Officers Training Academy&nbsp;in&nbsp;Chennai. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This year a group of 20 Afghan women officers from their Army and Air Force arrived at OTA Chennai for training along with Indian Army Women Cadets.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/2-20171212114339.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>The Afghan woman contingent stands proudly, ready to fight all odds (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The women army cadet received a training on how to fire AK-47 rifles at the OTA. The Indian Army officers guided them through the entire training process</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/4-20171212114603.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Indian Army officers teaching Afghan woman soldiers how to handle, aim and fire an AK-47. (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><br />
Later in the day, the 20 cadets of the Afghan National Army trained them in ambush operations in the simulation room of OTA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Each of the cadets came to know how many Taliban terrorists they killed while firing at them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/1-20171212114226.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Afghan women being trained in ambush operation in the weapon simulation room of OTA (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>An extensive training session also took place on cybersecurity measures. This is just the beginning but the army officers of the Indian army believed that with some rigorous training, these women cadets will be effective in meeting cybersecurity challenges.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/3-20171212114444.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Woman cadets of the Afghan National Army getting training in cybersecurity breaches (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Each of these cadets has some gruesome stories to share. They have been attacked upon while going to school.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They can&#39;t wear their uniforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kabul is little better. But the villages continue to be the den of Taliban.</p>

<p>The women of Afghanistan, long oppressed and denied of their basic rights, are now fighting for their rights. And India is turning to be a valuable partner in this effort.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The women of Afghanistan, long oppressed and denied of their basic rights, are now fighting for their rights. And India is turning to be a valuable partner in this effort.

The most important aspect of Afghanistan is its location. The country is located right between the countries of erstwhile USSR, China, Pakistan and the major oil producing nations in the Middle East. Any country having its presence in Afghanistan is virtually having an eye over entire Asia. Being the largest democracy of the world and a nuclear power nation, India too must have its influence in Afghanistan. So far, India has provided over US$2 billion in humanitarian and economic aid, making it the largest regional provider of aid for Afghanistan. India's rebuilt their air links, power plants and invested heavily in health and education sectors as well as helping to train Afghan civil servants, diplomats and police. Indian teams were sent to Afghanistan to facilitate the same and at a later stage, 2004 onwards, the officials started coming to India for training at Mussouri, Hyderabad and Delhi. India has an important aim behind it. OTA plays a crucial role in raising the women officers of the Afghan National Army (WION) × Initially, after the establishment of democratic government in Afghanistan, the entire top brass of their Army, Civil Servants and Police Officers was made up of warlords, coalition fighters and senior members of various tribes. They were controlling the entire government machinery. To have a strong footprint in the Middle-East and Central Asia, it was inevitable for India to keep harmonious relations with Afghanistan. Sizable numbers of Afghan National Army Officers are sent to be trained in India either at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, the National Defence Academy near Pune or the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. This year a group of 20 Afghan women officers from their Army and Air Force arrived at OTA Chennai for training along with Indian Army Women Cadets. The Afghan woman contingent stands proudly, ready to fight all odds (WION) × The women army cadet received a training on how to fire AK-47 rifles at the OTA. The Indian Army officers guided them through the entire training process Indian Army officers teaching Afghan woman soldiers how to handle, aim and fire an AK-47. (WION) × Later in the day, the 20 cadets of the Afghan National Army trained them in ambush operations in the simulation room of OTA. Each of the cadets came to know how many Taliban terrorists they killed while firing at them. Afghan women being trained in ambush operation in the weapon simulation room of OTA (WION) × An extensive training session also took place on cybersecurity measures. This is just the beginning but the army officers of the Indian army believed that with some rigorous training, these women cadets will be effective in meeting cybersecurity challenges. Woman cadets of the Afghan National Army getting training in cybersecurity breaches (WION) × Each of these cadets has some gruesome stories to share. They have been attacked upon while going to school. They can't wear their uniforms. Kabul is little better. But the villages continue to be the den of Taliban. The women of Afghanistan, long oppressed and denied of their basic rights, are now fighting for their rights. And India is turning to be a valuable partner in this effort.

India makes soldiers out of Afghan women to fight Taliban

<p>It was a secluded part of the Officers&#39; Training Academy in Chennai. A military car took us only so far but beyond that, we had to walk through a muddy path to reach a green patch of land, surrounded by a white wall. I am sure no one could see what was going on inside. &nbsp;</p>

<p>On the wall is written: Shoot to Kill, Ek Goli Ek Dushman and HAT.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A red flag fluttered slowly as the jawans went about explaining to us what HAT stands for: Hold, Aim, Trigger press. Trained in this Academy, the soldiers, upon graduation, take up crucial positions in the war against terror in different parts of India. The price for a moment of hesitation is too stiff, and the training ensures that the soldiers are ruthlessly accurate in what they do.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India trains Afghan woman to take on the Taliban</strong></p>

<p>We waited with baited breath as the jawans prepared for the drill shootout. On the ground lay dozens of AK-47. The trr trr trr sound rattled the still humid air of the morning. Unaccustomed to the sound, I startled every time I heard the sound throughout the morning session. Made me wonder, how one can get accustomed to bullets whizzing pasts, ignoring it and go on with their daily lives. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It was no ordinary Monday morning for either us or the officers and instructors of the OTA. Soon in a line, more than a dozen woman in war fatigue and head covered with headscarf walked into the ground. They constitute the core of the women unit of the Afghan National Army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Led by a lady officer of the Indian Army, the women soldiers slowly walked up the podium, the male officers sat down with them, helping them with the AK-47. A volley of fires started soon. Determined jaws, focused eyes, strong grip, here are the women of Afghanistan getting ready to fight against evil, powerlessness, in a quest for liberty.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/afghan_women_ak47-20171212084329.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Afghanistan is about to witness a revolt, starting from its kitchen. (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Each of these women has a story to tell that is gruesome and gritty while their response has been nothing less than gallant. To fight the years of oppression heaped upon them by one of the cruelest and oppressive regimes the world has seen, the Afghan National Army has now taken the decision to send out women from each of the tribes of the country for a training period of 20 days in India.</p>

<p>The Indian government, driven by strategic and humanitarian concerns, has agreed to it. The Afghan women have been flown in from Kabul to the OTA as this is the only military institution in India which trains women. Side by side with Indian women cadet, the Marwahs, Arbiyas and Hasinas of Afghanistan are learning to fire AK-47, fight cyber terror and participate in other military training.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>AK-47 in henna painted hands</strong></p>

<p>This is not a mean feat. One needs to keep in mind that these women led a burqa-clad existence through their teens. Their palms are still decorated with Henna, they wear bangles, and gold rings adorn their slender fingers. Pink and purple nail polish shine from their fingernails. They are still, in appearence at least, very different from their Indian counterpart but no less motivated and, perhaps, will be operating in a more challenging position.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Afghan women come from a country where they cannot wear their military uniform at the fear of being killed, the officers told me repeatedly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Marwah was sitting at the corner of drill ground, all by herself, when I approached her. She is 24 years old, married to her childhood sweetheart who is now a major in the Afghan army. Marwah is a Pakhtun and comes from region replete with Taliban. Living had become a nightmare for little Marwah. But she and her family courageously fought against all odds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Marwah went to study law at Wood University, a US-aided institution, which gets regularly attacked by Taliban suicide bombers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When I asked Marwah why she came to India, pat came the reply, &#39;to kill Taliban&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>The tide is turning against the Taliban</strong></p>

<p>Soon, Marwah&#39;s henna painted hands will hold an AK-47 to defend the rights of women in a war-torn country. While it sounds all heroic to hear Marwah talk about resisting Talibans to save her motherland, how could I forget her deep sigh when she said, I am lucky because in my country, Indian women are free to be lawyers. She wanted to be a lawyer until the Taliban came sword rattling to chop off the nose of any girls going to school.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Marwah&#39;s story is very similar to other women of the Afghan National Army. They are dead against Taliban. They had the support of their family in their fight. They are deeply appreciative of India&#39;s help. They wanted a longer period of training in India. More importantly, they want to go back to Afghanistan and impart whatever they learned in the OTA to other Afghan women. &nbsp;</p>

<p>I witnessed a historic moment in South Asian history as I stood watching these women fire AK-47. In agreeing to equip these women, India has got a chance to leave an indelible mark on the global war against terror. The country&#39;s bigger strategical and political goals may see a fruitful realisation as more and more women (and men) come for training at our shores.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As for Afghanistan, this is a now or never moment. The tide is turning against the Taliban who still occupies 40 per cent of the national territory. But the country is about to witness a revolt starting from its kitchen. It will be, as we say, mother of all battles, led by the mothers of the nation.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lcUh4U21OpA" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


When I asked one of the soldiers why she came to India, pat came the reply, 'to kill Taliban'.?

It was a secluded part of the Officers' Training Academy in Chennai. A military car took us only so far but beyond that, we had to walk through a muddy path to reach a green patch of land, surrounded by a white wall. I am sure no one could see what was going on inside. On the wall is written: Shoot to Kill, Ek Goli Ek Dushman and HAT. A red flag fluttered slowly as the jawans went about explaining to us what HAT stands for: Hold, Aim, Trigger press. Trained in this Academy, the soldiers, upon graduation, take up crucial positions in the war against terror in different parts of India. The price for a moment of hesitation is too stiff, and the training ensures that the soldiers are ruthlessly accurate in what they do. India trains Afghan woman to take on the Taliban We waited with baited breath as the jawans prepared for the drill shootout. On the ground lay dozens of AK-47. The trr trr trr sound rattled the still humid air of the morning. Unaccustomed to the sound, I startled every time I heard the sound throughout the morning session. Made me wonder, how one can get accustomed to bullets whizzing pasts, ignoring it and go on with their daily lives. It was no ordinary Monday morning for either us or the officers and instructors of the OTA. Soon in a line, more than a dozen woman in war fatigue and head covered with headscarf walked into the ground. They constitute the core of the women unit of the Afghan National Army. Led by a lady officer of the Indian Army, the women soldiers slowly walked up the podium, the male officers sat down with them, helping them with the AK-47. A volley of fires started soon. Determined jaws, focused eyes, strong grip, here are the women of Afghanistan getting ready to fight against evil, powerlessness, in a quest for liberty. Afghanistan is about to witness a revolt, starting from its kitchen. (WION) × Each of these women has a story to tell that is gruesome and gritty while their response has been nothing less than gallant. To fight the years of oppression heaped upon them by one of the cruelest and oppressive regimes the world has seen, the Afghan National Army has now taken the decision to send out women from each of the tribes of the country for a training period of 20 days in India. The Indian government, driven by strategic and humanitarian concerns, has agreed to it. The Afghan women have been flown in from Kabul to the OTA as this is the only military institution in India which trains women. Side by side with Indian women cadet, the Marwahs, Arbiyas and Hasinas of Afghanistan are learning to fire AK-47, fight cyber terror and participate in other military training. AK-47 in henna painted hands This is not a mean feat. One needs to keep in mind that these women led a burqa-clad existence through their teens. Their palms are still decorated with Henna, they wear bangles, and gold rings adorn their slender fingers. Pink and purple nail polish shine from their fingernails. They are still, in appearence at least, very different from their Indian counterpart but no less motivated and, perhaps, will be operating in a more challenging position. The Afghan women come from a country where they cannot wear their military uniform at the fear of being killed, the officers told me repeatedly. Marwah was sitting at the corner of drill ground, all by herself, when I approached her. She is 24 years old, married to her childhood sweetheart who is now a major in the Afghan army. Marwah is a Pakhtun and comes from region replete with Taliban. Living had become a nightmare for little Marwah. But she and her family courageously fought against all odds. Marwah went to study law at Wood University, a US-aided institution, which gets regularly attacked by Taliban suicide bombers. When I asked Marwah why she came to India, pat came the reply, 'to kill Taliban'. The tide is turning against the Taliban Soon, Marwah's henna painted hands will hold an AK-47 to defend the rights of women in a war-torn country. While it sounds all heroic to hear Marwah talk about resisting Talibans to save her motherland, how could I forget her deep sigh when she said, I am lucky because in my country, Indian women are free to be lawyers. She wanted to be a lawyer until the Taliban came sword rattling to chop off the nose of any girls going to school. Marwah's story is very similar to other women of the Afghan National Army. They are dead against Taliban. They had the support of their family in their fight. They are deeply appreciative of India's help. They wanted a longer period of training in India. More importantly, they want to go back to Afghanistan and impart whatever they learned in the OTA to other Afghan women. I witnessed a historic moment in South Asian history as I stood watching these women fire AK-47. In agreeing to equip these women, India has got a chance to leave an indelible mark on the global war against terror. The country's bigger strategical and political goals may see a fruitful realisation as more and more women (and men) come for training at our shores. As for Afghanistan, this is a now or never moment. The tide is turning against the Taliban who still occupies 40 per cent of the national territory. But the country is about to witness a revolt starting from its kitchen. It will be, as we say, mother of all battles, led by the mothers of the nation. ×

Afghan women soldiers training under Indian Army 'to kill Taliban'

women-in-afghan-army

Women In Afghan Army, News on Women In Afghan Army, stories on Women In Afghan Army, articles on Women In Afghan Army, Women In Afghan Army stories at Wion, Women In Afghan Army news, Women In Afghan Army latest news

women in-afghan-army

India makes soldiers out of Afghan women to fight Taliban

Afghan women soldiers training under Indian Army 'to kill Taliban'