“Ready to serve again” Women Home Guards of 1971 recall bravery, responds to Pahalgam Terror Attack

Kutch (Gujarat), May 6, 2025(ANI): During the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, women served as Home Guards and played an essential role in defeating Pakistan. Women from Gujarat’s Bhuj (Kutch) shared their experiences of 1971 Indo- Pakistan War and how they worked and saved lives. Jyotiben Upadhyay, who served as a Home Guard during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War said, "I had joined the Home Guard services in 1971. When the war had started, Pakistan had thrown 17 bombs on Bhuj in a single day...there was a blackout in Bhuj, we all used to go in the streets together and comfort the people who were scared of the situation. Now the same situation is arising again; terrorists have again attacked Kashmir. Innocent civilians were killed. There is an atmosphere of war on the borders. We, women will have to gather courage and be alert again. We will have to teach other women today what we learnt during that time...Even if they call us today for any desk job, I am ready to serve again..."Another Home Guard Jyoti Kothari said, "...We were trained extensively on how to use weapons...It was tough for women to even step out of the house, and we felt proud while wearing the Home Guard Uniform...I urge women to step up for the country, as the situation has worsened...We discussed with the whole team that as the situation has worsened, we should also do something (for the nation) ..."