Proud of you: Support pours in for Vikram Misri after trolls target his family

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri encountered online harassment, as numerous individuals directed attacks at his family, including his daughters, after India’s de-escalation pact with Pakistan on Saturday. Shortly after Misri revealed the decision, he faced significant online harassment, prompting several high-ranking diplomats and politicians to rally in his support.

Firmly denouncing the online assault, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi stated that an “honest, diligent” officer such as Misri ought not to be targeted simply for communicating a decision made by the Centre.

During a press conference on Saturday evening, Misri disclosed that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) from both sides had concurred to achieve a mutual agreement to halt all military activities on land, air, and sea immediately.

After his announcement, he was subjected to insults like “traitor,” “gaddar,” and “deshdrohi,” and some posts went as far as to challenge the citizenship of his daughters. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav accused the Centre of failing to protect Misri’s dignity, stating that he was merely the messenger.

“It is the government’s responsibility to make decisions – not individual officers,” he wrote on X.

“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 are coming forward to protect his honour and respect or discussing possible action against those who make such unwanted posts,” Yadav further wrote.

Former foreign secretary Nirupama Menon Rao called the online abuses “utterly shameful,” saying it “crosses 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,” she posted on X.

India and Pakistan on Saturday reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea with immediate effect after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes that brought the two countries teetering on the edge of a full-scale war.