The IAS Association, IPS Association, and former diplomats, along with politicians, have unequivocally condemned the targeted harassment of India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family over the India-Pakistan ceasefire. The bureaucrats expressed that such “unwarranted” personal attacks against civil servants should not be tolerated.
On May 11, Vikram Misri locked his X account following a barrage of abusive comments blaming him for the ceasefire with Pakistan. Misri was called a “wimpy traitor” among other derogatory remarks. His daughter, Didon Misri, was also targeted for her work in offering legal assistance to Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.
The government is yet to take any action against the trolls.
Meanwhile, the IAS Association extended their solidarity to Vikram, expressing that such “unwarranted personal attacks” on civil servants performing their duties are deeply regrettable.
“The IAS Association stands in solidarity with Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, & his family. Unwarranted personal attacks on civil servants performing their duties with integrity are deeply regrettable. We reaffirm our commitment to uphold the dignity of public service,” the Association shared on X.
Similarly, the IPS Association issued a statement condemning the targeted harassment.
“We unequivocally condemn the deplorable personal attacks against Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri and his family. Such unwarranted assaults on civil servants committed to their duties are absolutely intolerable. We commend his unwavering service to the nation and reaffirm our resolute commitment to safeguarding the dignity of public service,” they said.
Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao termed the harassment of Vikram “utterly shameful.” She said that the attack on his daughter by doxxing her identity had crossed every line of decency.
”It’s utterly shameful to troll Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family over the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement. A dedicated diplomat, Misri has served India with professionalism and resolve, and there is no ground whatsoever for his vilification.
"Doxxing his daughter and abusing his loved ones crosses every line of decency. This toxic hate must stop—stand united behind our diplomats, not tear them down. #StopTrollingMisri #SupportDiplomats #VikramMisri #IndianDiplomacy #NoToDoxxing," she posted on X.
Along with Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, Vikram Misra, a 1989-batch IFS officer, emerged as the face of Operation Sindoor with their regular press briefings.
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 26 civilians, mostly Indian tourists, were killed in the attack. India’s retaliatory response targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) prompted Pakistan to escalate tensions by attacking India’s military installations and civil areas. However, after three days of intense military standoff, both countries agreed to a ceasefire.
On May 10, addressing the media, Vikram announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire. The Foreign Secretary stated that the decision was arrived at after Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called on his Indian counterpart at 3.35 pm. “It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 17:00 hours Indian Standard Time,” Misri said.
However, the announcement was met with outrage in certain quarters, who were demanding a military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed. Instead of targeting the government or political leadership, many online users lashed out at Vikram personally and his family.
As the harassment continued unabated, politicians like Asaduddin Owaisi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Sachin Pilot also joined in condemning the attack against the senior diplomat.
