Indian politicians and journalists have raised concerns regarding the exclusion of female journalists from a press event with Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held in Delhi. Approximately 16 male reporters were allowed to attend the forum at the Afghan embassy on Friday, while women and foreign media were reportedly barred from entry.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that it “had no involvement in the press interaction” at the Afghan embassy. A Taliban government source mentioned that the exclusion of female journalists was due to a lack of proper coordination and assured that they would be invited to any future events held in Delhi.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the Indian government’s decision to permit the event without female representation, suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s actions implied a disregard for women’s rights. The Editors Guild of India condemned the exclusion, asserting the need for the government to ensure gender equity in press access at diplomatic events.
Muttaqi’s visit to India includes high-level talks with Indian officials, including Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, who announced the planned re-opening of India’s embassy in Kabul after its closure following the Taliban’s return to power. Since then, the Taliban has enforced various restrictions aligned with their interpretation of Islamic Sharia law, significantly affecting the rights of Afghan women and girls.
Following the event, Rahul Gandhi reiterated on social media that women should have equal participation in all spaces. Politician Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also urged Modi to clarify his stance on the exclusion of female journalists and questioned how such an oversight could occur in a nation that values the contributions of women. Additionally, some critics expressed disappointment over the lack of solidarity among the male journalists who attended, questioning their response to the situation.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgqgl2dxweo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss