Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah has caused outrage after making comments that may link Indian Army officer Colonel Sofia Qureshi with those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack. These comments, made during a public event in Raikunda village, have attracted sharp criticism from opposition parties, civil society, and veterans of all sorts – according to The Times of India, The Indian Express, and The New Indian Express – with some taking strong exception.
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In his speech, Shah claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent “a sister from their [the terrorists’] community” in an Indian Air Force aircraft to “stripping them of pride and teaching them a lesson”. While this reference did not explicitly name Colonel Qureshi directly, many took it as directed at her given her prominent role briefing media during Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam attack response operations – see The Indian Express/NDTV and Hindustan Times respectively for clarifications.
Colonel Sofia Qureshi of the Indian Army gained national attention for her leadership and composure during press briefings about Operation Sindoor. Her professionalism has been applauded across multiple sectors and serves as an icon of increasing women participation in India’s defense forces. The Times of India [Hubstan Times +4] [The Times of India (T) +4].
The Times of India
The opposition Congress party has strongly objected to Shah’s comments, demanding his immediate dismissal. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called them insulting and communal, suggesting they threaten the secular fabric of Indian Armed Forces. For more on this story visit Instagram or Hindustan Times
At the height of criticism, Shah issued an open apology and professed regret over how his statements had been misconstrued, emphasizing how highly he regards Colonel Qureshi over even his own sister – according to The New Indian Express and Times of India respectively. For further reading: see The Times of India or NDTv for updates
+4 This controversy has ignited wider discussions about the politicization of India’s military forces and maintaining their nonpolitical nature. As defense analysts and veterans voiced concern over potential implications such remarks could have on morale and unity within their ranks, an additional commentator raised serious allegations about potential political motives for making such remarks against his superior officer.
As India continues to recover from the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 tourists’ lives, efforts are directed at providing justice for victims while safeguarding India’s military institutions.
The incident underscores the necessity of responsible discourse among public officials when discussing matters pertaining to national security or military forces.