NCW slams minister Vijay Shah’s remarks against Col Qureshi

NCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar says, “extremely unfortunate” slamming derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

Without naming anyone, NCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar responded amid public outrage over Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah’s derogatory comments against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The National Commission for Women strongly disapproved of the insulting remarks against Col Qureshi, urging society to honour and respect women serving in the armed forces.

NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar slams MP Minister Vijay Shah.

Though NCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar didn’t mention anyone’s name, her comments follow a weave of public anger sparked by remarks from Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. On X, she said, “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.”

Vijaya Rahatkar said derogatory statements should be strongly condemned.

She further said, “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 said, adding that such derogatory statements should be “strongly condemned.”

The Congress released a video in which Vijay Shah is allegedly heard making controversial remarks stating, “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).” Following the outrage over his statements, Shah responded, “If my words have hurt society and religion, then I am ready to apologise ten times.”