My words have hurt my community, religion and countrymen. It was my linguistic mistake. My intention was not to hurt or offend any religion, caste or community. I sincerely apologize to the entire Indian Army, sister Colonel Sofia and all my countrymen for the words I said by mistake and I once again ask for forgiveness with folded hands: Tribal Affairs minister Vijay Shah on Friday
Bhopal: After eight days of silence and with special investigation team probe in place into his alleged remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi Tribal Affairs minister, Madhya Pradesh Vijay Shah said on Friday it was his linguistic mistake while he apologised once again to Col Sofia, Army and entire country.
The apology written on his letterhead that the 62-year-old minister posted on X reads, “Jai Hind, I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the heinous massacre that took place in Pahalgam a few days ago. I have always had immense love for my nation and respect for the Indian Army.”
He further says, “My words have hurt my community, religion and countrymen. It was my linguistic mistake. My intention was not to hurt or offend any religion, caste or community. I sincerely apologize to the entire Indian Army, sister Colonel Sofia and all my countrymen for the words I said by mistake and I once again ask for forgiveness with folded hands.”
The minister has posted a video too attached with the post to tender his apology.
Earlier, the minister was conspicuous by his absence in the state cabinet meeting that took place in Indore on Tuesday. It is presumed that he was asked to keep at bay from the cabinet meeting to avoid further invoking any controversy.
Notably, on May 19 Supreme Court directed Director General of Police, Madhya Pradesh Kailash Makwana to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) by Tuesday morning to probe into Tribal Affairs minister Vijay Shah’s alleged disparaging remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
The DGP constituted the SIT on May 19 itself that comprises of Sagar zone inspector general of police Pramod Verma, special armed force deputy inspector general Kalyan Chakravarthy and Dindori superintendent of police Vahni Singh.
Earlier, on May 14, taking suo moto cognizance of the minister’s remarks High Court, Jabalpur bench had directed the DGP to lodge an immediate first information report (FIR) against Shah who had allegedly termed Colonel Sofia Qureshi as a ‘sister of terrorists’ in his speech in a public meeting at village Raikunda in Mhow on May 11. However, in the next hearing HC was not pleased the way FIR was lodged by the police station concerned.
