BSF's first woman sniper: All you need to know about Suman Kumari

Suman Kumari, a sub-inspector, has made history by becoming the first female sniper in the Border Security Force. (Image: @BSF_CSWT/X)

Sub-inspector Suman Kumari made history by joining the Border Security Force (BSF) as its first female sniper. She received "instructor grade" at the Central School of Weapons and Tactics (CSWT) in Indore, where she had completed an eight-week sniper training.

"BSF is truly becoming an inclusive Force where ladies are taking rapid strides everywhere. In a step in this direction, after rigorous training, BSF has got the First #Mahila Sniper," BSF CSWT INDORE posted on its social media handle on March 2.

Suman opted for the sniper school after seeing the threat posed by cross-border sniper assaults while overseeing a platoon in Punjab. Her strong character won approval from her superiors to participate in the training.

It's noteworthy that Suman was the only female student enrolled in the sniper course out of 56 male peers. Through this achievement, she aims to inspire other women to join the military.

CSWT IG Bhaskar Singh Rawat, while speaking to the Times of India, said the sniper course is one of the most difficult after commando training. Rawat praised Suman's achievement and declared that she was now eligible to be sent as a sniper teacher.

“Most male trainees find it difficult to survive this training and do not even attempt the course but she volunteered. I am happy to say that she was leading in most activities during the course. Her hard work, determination and willingness to learn make her stand out," one of Suman's instructors told the newspaper.

Suman hails from a humble family in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district. While her father works as an electrician, her mother stays at home with the kids.