Peerzada Nazima Shah
India’s audacious cross-border anti-terror operation, Operation Sindoor, stands as a testament to the nation’s resolve. Executed to avenge the horrific April 22 Pahalgam attack, it showcased military precision, strategic foresight, and a unified national spirit. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the collective voice of citizens, political parties, and institutions rallying against terrorism, the country stood tall—poised to leverage this moment for diplomatic strength and regional stability. Yet, amid this triumph, a disturbing undercurrent threatens to undermine our progress: the resurgence of misogyny and divisive rhetoric, masquerading as patriotism.
Enter Vijay Shah, a BJP MLA and Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister, whose remarks at a public rally plumbed new depths of disgrace. Commenting on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi—a decorated Indian Army officer and a linchpin of Operation Sindoor—Shah reduced her professional valor to a crude, misogynistic jibe, claiming the terrorists in Pakistan were “taught a lesson using their own sister.” This was no mere slip of the tongue; it was a calculated affront to a woman who, through her expertise and courage, helped orchestrate one of India’s boldest military operations. Shah’s words were not just an insult to Colonel Qureshi but a betrayal of the unity Modi celebrated just a day earlier.
Thankfully, the Madhya Pradesh High Court acted swiftly, labeling Shah’s remarks “cancerous” and “dangerous” while ordering an FIR. But judicial action alone cannot undo the damage. The ruling party, often adept at managing optics, must go beyond damage control. This is not about one errant politician; it is about the tone set by those in power and the accountability demanded of them. Colonel Qureshi was not a prop in a media briefing—she was a strategic architect of a mission that struck at the heart of terror infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC). To belittle her contributions because of her gender or name is not just indecent; it erodes the credibility of our democratic institutions.
Shah’s outburst is not an isolated blemish. Days earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his daughter endured a torrent of online vitriol for the crime of diplomatic professionalism. Misri, defending India’s stance during a ceasefire pause, became a lightning rod for abuse that questioned his loyalty and targeted his family. Such attacks reveal a troubling pattern: a hyper-nationalist fringe that equates dissent or restraint with betrayal, and women or minorities with easy targets.
Operation Sindoor has handed India a rare moment of strategic advantage. It has imposed a tangible cost on terror networks across the LoC, underscored India’s military readiness, and signaled to the world that India will respond decisively. But military triumphs require diplomatic finesse to endure. That finesse is imperiled when public discourse is hijacked by hate-mongers, social media warriors, and politicians peddling toxic rhetoric. Calls for “total victory” or “complete annihilation” from armchair generals ignore the real costs of escalation—costs borne not by those shouting on YouTube, but by soldiers, diplomats, and citizens.
Even well-meaning voices risk muddying the waters. The Congress party, to its credit, has refrained from politicizing Operation Sindoor. Yet, invoking the 1971 war or Indira Gandhi’s legacy in this context is misguided. Operation Sindoor is not a territorial conquest but a surgical act of deterrence, tailored to a complex geopolitical reality. Drawing parallels to past wars is not just historically inaccurate; it fuels unrealistic expectations that could derail careful diplomacy.
The greater threat now is that this moment of national pride is being poisoned by misogyny and communal insinuations. Instead of celebrating resilience, we are forced to confront those who view every strong woman, every principled diplomat, or every measured response as a challenge to their warped vision of nationalism. What message does this send to women in uniform, to young Indians watching from across the nation? That courage is conditional, celebrated only when it fits a narrow mold of gender or identity? That service to the nation comes with an asterisk if it threatens fragile egos?
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi deserves unreserved admiration, not insinuations. Her honor should be upheld, not undermined. If the government is serious about safeguarding the integrity of Operation Sindoor—and the credibility of its leadership—it must act decisively. Vijay Shah’s remarks warrant more than an FIR; they demand his removal from office. A symbolic gesture, perhaps, but one that would signal zero tolerance for rhetoric that demeans those who serve.
India has proven it can dismantle terror camps across borders. Now, it must confront the terror of toxic discourse within its own. Let this be the moment we not only celebrate our military and diplomatic triumphs but also recommit to a discourse worthy of our democracy—one that honors every citizen’s contribution, regardless of gender, name, or role. The fight against terrorism has shown what unity can achieve; the fight for dignity must do the same.
(Peerzada Nazima Shah is an environmentalist and advocate for sustainability, collaborating with national and international organizations on climate resilience, green infrastructure, and community-driven conservation. Bridging policy and action, Shah champions a just and sustainable future.
Email: nazishahpowerpoint@gmail.com)
