INTERNATIONAL: US Congresswoman Hails India Over Muttakhi Press Meet
A Diplomatic Visit Turns Tense
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s recent trip to India marked a step toward thawing relations between Kabul and New Delhi.
Yet, the visit quickly drew fire when his initial press conference at the Afghan embassy excluded women reporters entirely.
This sparked widespread debate over gender norms clashing with India’s open media landscape.
Outrage Echoes Across Platforms
Indian women journalists took to social media to voice their frustration, highlighting the snub as a stark reminder of Taliban policies back home.
Groups like the Editors Guild of India and the Indian Women’s Press Corps swiftly condemned the move, urging broader inclusion.
Opposition voices, including former minister P Chidambaram, called for male colleagues to boycott such events in solidarity.
Second Chance, Bold Questions
Responding to the backlash, Muttaqi’s team organized a follow-up session open to all. Women reporters seized the moment, grilling him on Afghanistan’s bans on girls’ education and women’s public roles.
One journalist, Smita Sharma, pressed: “When will Afghan girls return to school?” The exchange underscored a rare direct challenge to Taliban officials abroad.
US Congresswoman’s Timely Nod
From across the ocean, California Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove spotlighted the scene on X.
She celebrated the Indian journalists’ resolve, writing they were “speaking truth to power” amid the Taliban’s restrictions on Afghan women. Kamlager-Dove stressed the need for ongoing global pushback against such erasures.
Clarifications Amid the Storm
Muttaqi addressed the uproar, insisting the first event’s limits stemmed from short notice, not intent to sideline women.
He noted invitations went to a select few via the Afghan consul in Mumbai. India’s Ministry of External Affairs distanced itself, confirming no hand in the arrangements.
Broader Ties and Tough Talks
The visit included key meetings, like one with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who announced plans to reopen India’s Kabul embassy.
While aimed at security and strategy, the press episodes highlighted deeper rifts on rights. For many, it was a win for India’s democratic edge.