Adaso Kapesa, hailing from Kaibi village in Manipur’s Senapati district, has made history by becoming the first woman officer in the Special Protection Group (SPG), the nation’s most prestigious security force responsible for the Prime Minister’s security. Her appointment is a landmark moment for women in India’s security services, especially in a unit that has, until now, been an entirely male bastion.

The SPG, formed in 1985 after the tragic assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is tasked with providing zero-error protection to the Prime Minister of India and their immediate family. This elite unit recruits personnel from top security forces such as the Indian Police Service (IPS), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Selection into the SPG is extremely competitive, involving gruelling physical and mental endurance tests, advanced weapons training, martial arts, bomb disposal skills, and preparation for high-risk secret missions.

Early Life and Determination

Adaso Kapesa grew up in Kaibi village, an area known for its challenging terrain and limited resources. Despite the odds, she nurtured a strong ambition from a young age to serve the nation. She completed her schooling locally before joining the Sashastra Seema Bal, where she served with distinction in the 55th Battalion at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.

Her discipline, professional excellence, and operational skills in the SSB quickly caught the attention of senior officers. Recognising her potential, she was selected for the SPG commando training programme, which she completed successfully in 2020. After gaining valuable operational experience, she joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s core security team in 2024, becoming the first woman to achieve this feat.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Force

The SPG has long been regarded as one of India’s toughest security forces to join, with an operational culture that demands perfection under extreme pressure. Until Adaso Kapesa’s induction, the SPG had been an all-male unit. Her entry into this elite force signals a shift towards gender inclusion in India’s top security apparatus.

Her achievement reflects not only her personal grit and courage but also the evolving policies and attitudes towards women in armed and paramilitary forces. She is currently on deputation with the SPG, balancing her duties with the same commitment and professionalism that defined her earlier career.

Duties and Responsibilities in the SPG

As part of the Prime Minister’s close protection team, Kapesa’s responsibilities include:

• Conducting advance security checks at venues to eliminate threats.

• Engaging in close-quarter battle readiness to counter immediate dangers.

• Executing anti-sabotage measures during official engagements.

• Maintaining constant vigilance as part of the PM’s inner security ring.

These duties require peak physical fitness, instant decision-making ability, and unwavering focus, qualities that Kapesa has demonstrated consistently.

National and Social Media Recognition

Kapesa’s presence in PM Modi’s security detail during his recent visit to the UK caught the public’s attention when a photograph of her standing vigilantly behind the Prime Minister went viral on social media.

She has since been hailed as a symbol of ‘Nari Shakti’ and national pride, especially among the people of Manipur and the wider Northeast region of India. Messages on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) celebrated her journey:

“From the hills of Manipur to the elite SPG team — Inspector Adaso Kapesa’s journey is a symbol of grit, pride, and possibility. Salute to her spirit and service!”

Other users praised her determination, calling her appointment a “proud moment for India” and expressing hope that more women would follow her path.

Symbol of Inspiration for Women in India

Kapesa’s story stands as an inspiring example for women aspiring to join India’s defence and security forces. In a country where such roles have traditionally been dominated by men, her achievement demonstrates that ability, determination, and hard work can break through any barrier.

Her success also aligns with India’s broader push to increase women’s representation in the armed forces, paramilitary units, and law enforcement agencies. Initiatives like inducting more women in combat roles, leadership positions, and elite units are slowly transforming the face of national security in India.

The Legacy She’s Creating

By becoming the first woman SPG officer, Adaso Kapesa has not just made personal history—she has opened the door for other women to aspire to similar achievements. Her journey from a small village in Manipur to standing beside the Prime Minister of India is a testament to the fact that background and geography do not limit ambition.

She continues to serve in the SPG with honour, embodying the core values of the force: dedication, integrity, and excellence. In doing so, she has become a role model for young girls across India, encouraging them to dream big, aim high, and never be deterred by challenges.

Her presence in the SPG marks a historic milestone in Indian security history and sends a powerful message that the nation’s highest levels of security can, and should, be inclusive.

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