'Insult to women': Priyanka slams PM Modi over female journalists' absence from Afghan FM presser
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify his position on the absence of women journalists from a press conference of visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and described the incident as an "insult to some of India's most competent women".
The Congress general secretary said if the prime minister's recognition of women's rights isn't just convenient posturing from one election to the other, how has this "insult to some of India's most competent women been allowed in our country".
"Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, please clarify your position on the removal of female journalists from the press conference of the representative of the Taliban on his visit to India," she said on X.
"If your recognition of women's rights isn't just convenient posturing from one election to the other, how has this insult to some of India's most competent women been allowed in our country, a country whose women are its backbone and its pride," Priyanka Gandhi said.
The press conference addressed by Muttaqi on Friday saw participation restricted to a handful of reporters, while women journalists were conspicuous by their absence.
Muttaqi held the interaction at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi, hours after holding wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
It is learnt that the decision on inviting journalists to the media interaction was taken by Taliban officials accompanying the foreign minister.
People familiar with the matter said the Indian side suggested to the Afghan side that women journalists should be part of the invitees for the event.
In a post on X, former home minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said, "I am shocked that women journalists were excluded from the press conference addressed by Mr Amir Khan Muttaqi of Afghanistan."
"In my personal view, the men journalists should have walked out when they found that their women colleagues were excluded (or not invited)," Chidambaram said.
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said, "I understand the geopolitical compulsions that force us to engage with the Taliban, but to accede to their discriminatory and plain primitive mores is outright ridiculous, it's very disappointing to note the conduct of the @MEAIndia and @DrSJaishankar in excluding women journalists from the press briefing of the Taliban Minister."
Earlier, Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed said on X, "Is it true that women journalists were not invited to the press conference of Afghanistan's Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as dictated by him?
"Who are they to dictate terms to our nation, that too on our own soil, and impose their discriminatory agenda against women?"
"Shame on @narendramodi and @DrSJaishankar for allowing this to happen," the Congress leader added.
The Taliban regime in Kabul has faced severe criticism from various countries as well as global bodies like the United Nations for restricting the rights of women in Afghanistan.
On Friday, Muttaqi side-stepped a direct question on the plight of women in Afghanistan, but said every country has its own customs, laws and principles, and there should be respect for them.
He claimed that the overall situation in Afghanistan has improved significantly since the Taliban came to power in August 2021.
Muttaqi pointed out that some 200 to 400 people died in Afghanistan every day before the Taliban started ruling the country.
"In these four years, there have been no such losses. Laws are in force and every one has their rights. Those who are engaging in propaganda are making a mistake," Muttaqi said.
"Every country has its own customs, laws and principles, and works according to those. It is not correct that people are not given their rights. If people were not happy with the system and the laws, why has peace returned," he asked.
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J&K CM Abdullah inaugurates upgraded hospital, key road link during Rajouri visit
Nowshera/Jammu (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated a vital upgraded road and a 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his visit to the border belt of Nowshera in Rajouri district, emphasising that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
The chief minister received a rousing welcome on his arrival, with people lining both sides of the road, showering flower petals.
Soon after he arrived in Nowshera, Abdullah inaugurated a vital road link from the highway bridge to Nowshera town and the 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his tour of the area.
The visit of the chief minister, along with his cabinet colleagues, marked a major push towards strengthening connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The upgraded road project, executed by the PWD department for Rs 7.99 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity, streamline traffic movement and reduce travel time for commuters, officials said.
The chief minister also inaugurated the upgraded 100-bedded sub-district hospital, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 18.18 crore. The facility is equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding access to quality medical services for the people of Nowshera and adjoining areas, they said.
During his visit, Abdullah took a detailed tour of the hospital and inspected key sections, including X-ray, ECG and ultrasound rooms, examination rooms, and the blood storage unit. He interacted with doctors, staff and patients, enquiring about the availability and quality of healthcare services.
Addressing a massive public gathering, Abdullah emphasised that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
"Positions of power are not meant for personal comfort but to bring relief to the people and make their lives easier. Our priority is to strengthen schools, hospitals, roads, and address unemployment and poverty," he said.
He highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, healthcare and overall socio-economic growth in Rajouri and adjoining areas.
Interacting with the public, he assured that the voices and aspirations of the people of the Pir Panjal region would continue to guide policy decisions and drive responsive governance on the ground.
The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to regularising daily wagers and ensuring justice for Anganwadi and ASHA workers through improved wages and stipends.
He also highlighted various welfare initiatives, including the provision of free gas cylinders to the poorest households, electricity support and free bus travel for women.
Highlighting recent developmental achievements, he noted that projects like the Nowshera road and hospital, which had remained pending for years, were completed due to the focused efforts of the present government.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that key infrastructure projects in the region have been realised under the leadership of the chief minister, reaffirming the government's commitment to balanced and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
