In a historic first for India’s security architecture, Inspector Adaso Kapesa has broken decades of male dominance to serve as the first woman officer in the elite Special Protection Group (SPG), the specialized force entrusted with safeguarding the Prime Minister of India.
Hailing from Kaibi village in Manipur’s Senapati district and belonging to the Mao Naga community, Inspector Kapesa’s journey from the hills of Northeast India to the frontline of national security is a testament to extraordinary grit, discipline, and professional excellence.
Before her deputation to the SPG, Inspector Kapesa built a formidable record of service as an Inspector with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), notably associated with its 55th Battalion stationed in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
Serving across tough frontier terrains, she honed the resilience and tactical awareness required to clear the rigorous selection standards of the SPG.
Her poised, alert, and commanding presence entered the national spotlight during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the United Kingdom, where photographs of her standing watch within the security perimeter quickly went viral.
The SPG functions in a high-stakes environment where split-second decision-making, physical endurance, tactical surveillance, and absolute confidentiality are paramount. Inspector Kapesa’s successful integration into this premier unit highlights a progressive shift toward inclusive leadership and gender representation within India’s uniformed services.
Her remarkable ascent sends a powerful message to young women across the nation
particularly across the Northeast proving that remote geography is no barrier to reaching the pinnacle of public service and national duty
News Edit KV Raman
