The Ex-Servicemen Department Congress has objected to the objectionable statement made by Indian Army officer Colonel Sophia and the decision of the Cabinet. The Ex-Servicemen Department has demanded from the Central and Madhya Pradesh governments to take action against Minister Vijay Shah. Ex-servicemen held a press conference at the Congress office on Thursday and expressed their anger over the cabinet’s decision. Former soldiers say that after the decision of the Government of India, the Indian Army took decisive action against terrorism by targeting nine terrorist hideouts located in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied areas under Operation Sindoor on the night of 7 May 2025.
Colonel Sophia Qureshi provided important information related to military operations to the people of the country with utmost restraint, clarity and responsibility. At a time when the entire country was saluting the bravery and valor of the Indian Army, MP Government Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah on 13 May 2025 addressed Colonel Sophia Qureshi by calling her the sister of terrorists. This was unfortunate, condemnable and an insult to a woman officer of the country’s army. Taking suo motu cognizance of this case, the High Court, Jabalpur directed to file a First Information Report against Minister Vijay Shah.
The Supreme Court also gave instructions regarding investigation and necessary action in the case. Despite this, the government’s decision to retain Minister Vijay Shah in the cabinet is extremely unfortunate and condemnable. The Indian Army is not the army of any political party, but of the entire country. Insulting any army officer or soldier is an insult to the sentiments of crores of citizens of the country, the sacrifice of the soldiers and the dignity of the nation.
There is a demand from the government that fair and strict action should be taken against Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah as per the law and he should be removed from the post. The ex-servicemen have warned that if the government does not take a quick decision on this serious issue, all the ex-servicemen will take to the streets in a democratic and peaceful manner to protect their honor and the dignity of the Indian Army. Its entire responsibility will be of the government.