CPI(ML) Condemns Taliban Minister for Barring Women Journalists in Delhi

GUWAHATI, October 11, 2025, The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) has sharply criticized Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government after its Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, allegedly barred women journalists from covering a press conference in New Delhi.

CPI(ML) Central Executive Committee member Balindra Saikia condemned the act, calling it “an insult to India’s democratic ethos” and a violation of press freedom. He said the incident highlighted the Taliban’s ongoing suppression of women’s rights. And questioned why such behavior was tolerated on Indian soil.

“This is not Afghanistan, this is India a democracy that respects gender equality and freedom of expression,” Saikia stated. “By allowing such discriminatory acts during an official visit, the government has failed to uphold the dignity of Indian women journalists.”

The Incident Sparks Outrage

The controversy erupted on Friday when multiple reports emerged that women journalists were prevented from entering a venue in Delhi. Where Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was scheduled to address a press briefing.

The move immediately drew criticism from across political and media circles. Many journalists took to social media to express their anger, calling it a dark day for press freedom in India.

Saikia said the episode exposed the contradictions in India’s diplomatic stance. “On one hand, the government claims to support women’s empowerment and press freedom. On the other, it allows a foreign delegation known for brutal gender discrimination to behave in such a manner here,” he said.

He urged the central government to issue a formal condemnation and ensure that such incidents are never repeated in the future.

“India Cannot Be Silent When Women Are Humiliated”

The CPI(ML) leader emphasized that India’s silence on the issue would send a dangerous signal globally. “When women journalists are barred from doing their jobs. And our government remains silent, it reflects complicity,” Saikia remarked.

He said India must act as a defender of universal rights, not as a silent spectator. “If India wants to maintain its global image as the world’s largest democracy, it must take a principled stand,” he added.

Saikia pointed out that Afghan women have been stripped of almost all freedoms since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. “They can’t go to school, can’t work freely, and now this mindset is being imported into our own country,” he warned.

Taliban’s Record on Women’s Rights Under Scrutiny

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has faced international condemnation for its harsh policies against women. Girls have been banned from higher education, and women are barred from working in most sectors.

Despite global criticism, the Taliban continues to enforce strict gender segregation laws. The latest incident in Delhi, according to Saikia, reflects that same ideology being carried abroad.

“By allowing Muttaqi to dictate terms to our media, we have indirectly legitimized the Taliban’s misogyny,” Saikia said. Moreover, he argued that India should have imposed clear diplomatic boundaries ensuring all press interactions respect the country’s democratic standards.

CPI(ML) Calls for Diplomatic Accountability

The CPI(ML) demanded that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarify whether it was aware of or complicit in the exclusion of women journalists. Saikia said such an incident cannot occur in a sovereign country without either permission or negligence from authorities.

“The MEA owes an explanation to the citizens of India. Also, did they agree to the Taliban’s discriminatory terms? If not, why was action not taken on the spot?” he asked.

The party further urged the government to issue a diplomatic protest to Afghanistan. And reaffirm India’s commitment to gender equality and press freedom.

“The credibility of India’s democracy is on the line. We must not bow to regressive ideologies for the sake of political or diplomatic convenience,” Saikia said.

Media Fraternity Stands in Solidarity

The incident has drawn strong solidarity from across India’s media community. Journalists’ associations in Delhi and Guwahati. Further, released statements condemning the exclusion of women reporters and demanding accountability.

Several senior journalists highlighted that such incidents set a dangerous precedent. Where foreign delegations can undermine India’s democratic rights with impunity.

“Freedom of the press is non-negotiable,” Saikia emphasized. “If we allow this to happen once, it will happen again. Today it’s a Taliban minister. Furthermore, tomorrow it could be anyone with a regressive mindset.”

A Broader Call for Equality and Vigilance

Saikia concluded by calling for a united response from civil society, political leaders, and journalists to safeguard the principles of equality and freedom. “This is not a partisan issue. This is about India’s soul,” he said.

He also urged the government to take proactive steps to ensure that women journalists are given equal access and protection in all official events, especially those involving foreign dignitaries.

“India’s Constitution guarantees equality before the law,” Saikia noted. Also, “We cannot allow any foreign official to trample on that sacred promise.”

The CPI(ML) leader further called upon citizens to remain vigilant against any attempts to normalize gender discrimination or curtail media freedoms. “Our silence is their victory,” he warned.