The National Commission for Women (NCW) has vehemently condemned the derogatory remarks made against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, stressing the need for respect for women in uniform. The NCW chairperson, Vijaya Rahatkar, expressed her outrage after Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah’s alleged comments stirred widespread criticism.
While Rahatkar refrained from naming anyone directly, her comments came a day after Shah's remarks against Colonel Qureshi went viral.
"It is extremely unfortunate that such statements are being made by some responsible persons which are derogatory and unacceptable towards women. This not only hurts the dignity of women in our society but is also an insult to the daughters of the nation who are playing an important role in the security of the country," Rahatkar posted on X.
The NCW chairperson went on to emphasise that Colonel Qureshi, a proud daughter of India, deserved admiration and respect. "Dear Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is a proud daughter of this nation, a sister of all country-loving Indians, who has served the country with courage and dedication," Rahatkar wrote, adding that the entire nation took pride in brave women like her. She concluded by stating that derogatory statements against women in uniform should be "strongly condemned."
The Congress party later shared a video in which Shah is heard making objectionable remarks. According to the video, Shah reportedly said, "'Jinhone humari betiyon ke sindoor ujade the… humne unhiki behen bhej kar ke unki aisi ki taisi karwayi (those who wiped sindoor (vermilion) off our daughters' forehead... we sent their sister to teach them a lesson).'" In response, Shah stated, "If my words have hurt society and religion, then I am ready to apologise ten times."
Colonel Qureshi, who was part of the tri-services team that conducted press briefings on Operation Sindoor alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, came under attack after her involvement in the Indian military’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.
Rahatkar also referred to the recent CBSE results, where girls outperformed boys in several categories, stressing that fostering a respectful attitude towards women was essential. "To move towards a progressive nation, it is necessary that women move ahead and lead in every field," she said.
Urging for dignity in public discourse, Rahatkar added, "Underestimating the participation and contribution of women is not only unacceptable but also an obstacle to the development of the country."
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