With a glint of pride in their eyes and armed with INSAS rifles, 209 women personnel today joined the ranks of the ITBP to guard the Sino-Indian frontier. Home Minister P. Chidambaram, who took the salute of the first women constable's contingent of the force at Panchkula called it a historic event. He said, with this passing out parade, the women will be able to regulate international trade between India and China at Nathu La and Sherathung trade markets besides escorting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatris.<br/><br/>The new contingent will also be used to provide security to vital installations, rescue and relief operations including disaster management, perception management and psychological operations in border villages and during festivals, public meetings and agitations.<br/><br/>Mr Chidamabaram congratulated the families of the women, especially their parents for taking a bold decision to let them join a force entrusted with guarding one of the most difficult and challenging borders of India. Marching to the tunes of 'Kadam Kadam Badhaye Jaa, the women staged an impressive parade as they became the first combat counterparts to their male colleagues in the 48 years of the history of the force.<br/><br/>The women, drawn form various states of the country, started their training in February last year and are now adept in unarmed combat, weapon firing, commando tactics, map reading and other security-related drills.<br/><br/>ITBP Director General Vikram Srivastava said the women personnel would be further trained in counter-insurgency and jungle warfare and a Quick Reaction Team and a Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad will also be formed in order to raise an independent women's battalion.