NCW condemns remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has strongly condemned derogatory remarks allegedly made against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated officer who played a key role during Operation Sindoor. The backlash follows reported comments by Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah, sparking nationwide outrage.

Without naming Shah directly, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar stated that such remarks are not only disrespectful but also undermine the sacrifices made by women in uniform. “Such statements are extremely unfortunate and hurt the dignity of women serving in our armed forces,” she wrote on social media platform X.

Colonel Qureshi was one of the tri-services spokespersons, along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during the military briefing on India’s retaliation against a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. The operation, widely praised for its precision, brought attention to the increasing role of women in national defence.

The Congress party released a video where Shah is allegedly heard making deeply controversial remarks that many interpreted as targeting Colonel Qureshi. In response to the uproar, Shah offered an apology, stating he would apologize “ten times” if his words had caused offense.

Rahatkar emphasized that Colonel Qureshi is a symbol of national pride and valor, urging society to support and uplift women like her. “She is a proud daughter of the nation who has shown great courage,” she stated, calling for such misogynistic statements to be condemned unequivocally.

The incident has reignited debate around gender sensitivity in political discourse, especially concerning women in the military who continue to break barriers and serve with distinction on the frontlines.