Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri
Credit: Reuters Photo
New Delhi: Facing a vicious attack from rightwing online trolls after government agreed to a ceasefire with Pakistan, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri continued to get support from various sections with politicians like Akhilesh Yadav, Asaduddin Owaisi and John Brittas as well as National Commission for Women (NCW) supporting the IFS officer.
As the trolling against him and his family members intensified, Misri had to make his account on X private, restricting access to only confirmed followers. Misri's daughter was also trolled.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh warned that such incidents break the morale of honest officers, who work day and night dedicated to the country.
"It is the government's responsibility to make decisions -- not individual officers'. Some anti-social criminal elements are openly crossing all limits of abusive language against the officer and his family, but neither the BJP government nor any of its ministers is coming forward to protect his honour and respect or discussing possible action against those who make such unwanted posts," Yadav posted on 'X'.
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha floor leader John Brittas wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah seeking immediate action to identify and penalise the perpetrators and ensure protection for public servants and citizens from such coordinated hate campaigns.
"Misri, in his official capacity as Foreign Secretary, articulated the considered stance of the Indian government - a stance formulated, ratified, and owned by the political executive headed by the Prime Minister and his Cabinet. It is distressing that his articulation of policies and decisions, duly approved by the ruling dispensation, has been misconstrued and cynically weaponised to personally vilify him," he wrote.
The Association of Indian Diplomats issued a statement on Monday saying it "strongly condemns the trolling and doxing of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family. This is appalling and completely unacceptable. He is an outstanding professional with an impeccable record. Strict action needs to be taken against those responsible."
National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said the sharing of personal contact details of Misri's daughter was a "grossly irresponsible act" and a "serious breach of privacy" that endangers her safety. Personal attacks on the family members of senior civil servants like Misri are not only unacceptable but also morally indefensible, she said.
Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said, "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...."