Leaders, Diplomats Condemn Social Media Attacks on Vikram Misri
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who announced a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, became the target of intense abuse on social media, sparking widespread condemnation. Several political leaders and former diplomats strongly responded to the incident and expressed their solidarity with Vikram Misri. They criticized the targeting of a government official and his family for merely communicating the government’s decisions, calling it appalling.
On Saturday, Vikram Misri stated that India and Pakistan had reached an understanding to enforce a ceasefire. Speaking at a media briefing, he revealed that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries had agreed to immediately halt all forms of military operations across land, air, and sea.
Soon after the announcement, Vikram Misri was subjected to severe trolling on social media. He was labeled with derogatory terms such as “traitor,” “gaddar,” and “anti-national.” Some users even questioned the citizenship status of his daughters, further fueling the online attacks.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi strongly condemned the online assault. “Targeting an honest and hardworking official like Vikram Misri merely for announcing a decision made by the central government is unjustified,” said Asaduddin Owaisi. He added, “Vikram Misri is a dedicated diplomat who works tirelessly for the country. We must remember that government officials operate under the executive authority. They should not be blamed for decisions taken by the political leadership.”
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav also criticized the central government, stating that it had failed to uphold the dignity of Vikram Misri. He clarified that Misri was simply the bearer of information, while decisions are taken by the government. “Despite certain anti-social elements crossing all limits in abusing this officer and his family, neither the BJP government nor its ministers have come forward to defend his honor. There has been no discussion on taking action against those posting objectionable content,” Akhilesh Yadav wrote on X.
Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao described the online smear campaign as “utterly disgraceful.” She stated that it had “crossed all limits of civility.” In a post on X, she said, “Trolling Vikram Misri and his family over the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement is deeply reprehensible. As a committed diplomat, Misri has served India with professionalism and resolve. There is no justification for denigrating him. Publicizing details about his daughter and hurling abuse at his loved ones has crossed all limits of decency. This venomous hatred must stop. We must stand united behind our diplomats and never demean them.”