'Unacceptable': NCW condemns derogatory remarks against Col Sufiya Qureshi

NEW DELHI: The National Commission for Women condemned the alleged disrespectful comments directed at Colonel Sofiya Qureshi , emphasising the importance of respecting women serving in uniform.

Commission chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar's statement came after the controversial remarks attributed to Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah about Qureshi, which generated significant public outcry.

"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," she said on X.

यह अत्यंत दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है कि कुछ जिम्मेदार व्यक्तियों द्वारा ऐसे बयान दिए जा रहे हैं जो महिलाओं के प्रति अपमानजनक और अस्वीकार्य हैं। यह न केवल हमारे समाज में महिलाओं की गरिमा को ठेस पहुंचाता है, बल्कि राष्ट्र की उन बेटियों का भी अपमान है जो देश की सुरक्षा में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका… pic.twitter.com/8u65Cj4Fqq

— Vijaya Rahatkar (@VijayaRahatkar) May 14, 2025

"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," she stated, noting that the entire nation takes pride in courageous women like her and such demeaning comments warrant firm condemnation.

The Congress circulated a video showing Shah allegedly making inappropriate comments, stating, "'Jinhone humari betiyon ke sindoor ujade the… humne unhiki behen bhej kar ke unki aisi ki taisi karwayi (those who wiped vermilion off our daughters' forehead... we sent their sister to teach them a lesson)'."

Subsequently, Shah issued a statement saying, "If my words have hurt society and religion, then I am ready to apologise ten times."

Colonel Qureshi participated in the tri-services press briefings regarding Operation Sindoor, alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. The military action was initiated following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam resulting in 26 casualties.