"Doesn't Bother Us": Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's Family To NDTV On Crass Remarks

The family of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi -- the face of the armed forces during Operation Sindoor -- were caught unawares about her briefing the media. Her twin sister Shyna Sunsara, in an exclusive interview to NDTV, said she was about to sleep when a friend called her and asked her to turn on the television. "But it is a part of military protocol," she told NDTV in an exclusive interview. "Even my father did not inform my mother about what was going on or special instructions". 

Colonel Qureshi's father and grandfather were both in the army. The family met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, joining in his roadshow at their hometown Vadodara.

Read: "Moment Of Pride" For Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's Family At PM Modi's Roadshow

The interactions with the press turned out to be a watershed moment for the Colonel, who suddenly found herself almost a national icon along with Vyomika Singh -- the other officer who had briefed the press along with her. Within days of Operation Sindoor, young girls and women across the country were idolising the two officers. 

So shock and outrage swept the country when a BJP minister of Madhya Pradesh made a string of remarks about Colonel Qureshi that even the Supreme Court described as "crass".  

Asked about the matter today, Colonel Qureshi's mother Halima Qureshi downplayed the remarks. "It doesn't bother us," she told NDTV in the exclusive interview. "Those who want to say something will say it. It makes no difference to us. It does not affect our courage or make us or our daughter weak," she added. 

At a public event earlier this month, Mr Shah had shockingly referred to Colonel Qureshi as the "sister of terrorists". "You widowed sisters of our community, so a sister of your community will strip you naked. (Prime Minister) Modi ji proved that the daughters of your community can be sent to Pakistan to take revenge," the minister had said.

Severely reprimanded by the Supreme Court, he has apologized twice but has not been sacked. 

In a video message the second time, the minister, who is already facing a probe for his contentious comments, "sincerely apologised to the entire Indian Army, sister Colonel Sophia and all the countrymen". 

Read: "Linguistic Mistake": Madhya Pradesh Minister's Fresh Apology 

"I didn't mean to hurt or offend any religion, caste or community. I sincerely apologise to the entire Indian Army, sister Colonel Sophia and all the countrymen for the words I said by mistake and I once again apologise with folded hands," the minister said.

Over the weekend, PM Modi also sounded a warning to the leaders of his party who made several injudicious remarks on Operation Sindoor, sources have said.