NCW slams derogatory remarks against Col Qureshi
New Delhi, May 14 (PTI): The National Commission for Women has strongly condemned the purported derogatory remarks made against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, calling for respect for women in uniform.
Though Commission chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar did not name anybody but her remarks come a day after Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah's purported remarks against Qureshi sparked widespread outrage.
"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.
"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 the entire country is proud of brave women like her and that such derogatory statements should be "strongly condemned."
The Congress shared a video in which Shah is purportedly heard making objectionable remarks, saying, "'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)'."
Shah later said, "If my words have hurt society and religion, then I am ready to apologise ten times." .
Colonel Qureshi was part of the tri-services team that conducted press briefings on Operation Sindoor alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. The Indian military response came after terrorists carried out a brutal attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead
Rahatkar also pointed to the recent CBSE results where girls have outperformed boys in several categories, stating that it is more important than ever to foster a respectful attitude towards women.
"To move towards a progressive nation, it is necessary that women move ahead and lead in every field," she said.
Calling for dignity in public discourse, she urged everyone to adopt respectful language and behaviour towards women.
"Underestimating the participation and contribution of women is not only unacceptable but also an obstacle to the development of the country," she added.
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
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Speaker UT Khader attends local cricket tournament during Bhatkal visit
Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.
