Mao Naga Officer Adaso Kapesa Shatters Glass Ceiling in PM Modi’s Security Detail
When images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United Kingdom went viral, social media users quickly noticed a poised woman in black, standing just behind him. With an earpiece and a watchful gaze, she stood out not just for her role but for her identity.
That woman is Inspector Adaso Kapesa, a Mao Naga officer from Kaibi village in Manipur. She has become the first woman from Northeast India and the first ever to serve in the Special Protection Group (SPG) — the elite force responsible for the Prime Minister’s security.
Her appearance wasn’t symbolic. It marked a historic first in a space long dominated by men.
From Kaibi Village to India’s Elite Security Unit
Kapesa’s journey began in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), one of India’s Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs. She currently serves with the 55th Battalion stationed in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, a high-security post known for its challenging environment.
Her roots trace back to Kaibi village, home to the Mao Naga community, an indigenous group in Manipur. Her rise to the SPG from a remote region reflects her grit, resilience, and determination.
To make it into the SPG, Kapesa had to clear some of the toughest selection processes and training regimens in the Indian security establishment. The SPG is not just about ceremonial protection — its members are highly trained in combat, surveillance, threat management, and emergency response.
Breaking Gender Barriers in India’s Most Elite Force
The Special Protection Group, established in 1985, is India’s premier protective force designed solely for the security of the Prime Minister. Traditionally, the SPG has been a male-dominated unit with minimal gender inclusion.
With Adaso Kapesa’s inclusion, that legacy has shifted.
Her presence during Modi’s UK visit is more than representation — it is a message of inclusivity and capability. It challenges outdated norms about who can serve in India’s top security assignments.
Her posting affirms that Northeast India’s youth, especially women, are more than ready to take on leadership roles at the highest level of national duty.
Applauded Nationwide: ‘A Role Model for the Next Generation’
As soon as her identity was confirmed, social media lit up with admiration. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook were flooded with praise.
Users hailed her as a “trailblazer,” “national role model,” and “icon of empowerment.” Especially for young women in law enforcement, defence, and civil services, Kapesa’s story has become a beacon of hope.
Her rise matters not just because of her gender but because of her ethnic and regional background. For long, the Northeast has remained underrepresented in elite national roles. Kapesa’s induction breaks that silence.
A Defining Chapter in Indian Security and Women’s Empowerment
Adaso Kapesa’s journey is not just her own. It reflects a changing India — an India where women from remote corners like Kaibi can take center stage in national security.
Her achievement paves the way for more inclusive recruitment and offers inspiration for the thousands of young women aspiring to don the uniform.
The message is clear: courage, competence, and commitment know no gender or geography.