Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Faces Trolling After Ceasefire
The ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, announced on May 10, follows four consecutive days of cross-border drone and missile strikes, and is seen as a significant development in the region. The online harassment of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has sparked a wider debate about the need for greater accountability and regulation of social media platforms to prevent coordinated harassment and abuse.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has been subjected to online harassment and personal attacks after announcing a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, with many condemning the abuse and defending his character as a "decent, honest, hard-working diplomat".
The trolling began after Misri announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to halt all military actions, with some social media users labeling him a "traitor" and "anti-national". His family, including his daughter, was also targeted, with users sharing private photos and contact details. This has been widely condemned by political leaders, journalists, and associations, including the IAS Association and the Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has defended Misri, calling the online abuse "preposterous" and praising his handling of the tense situation. Former foreign secretary Nirupama Menon also described the trolling as "utterly shameful" and a violation of basic decency. Other leaders, including AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, have expressed solidarity with Misri and his family, condemning the personal attacks and coordinated harassment.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by public figures in the digital age, where personal attacks and online harassment can be easily perpetrated. The condemnation of the trolling by various leaders and associations reflects a broader concern about the need to maintain civility and respect in public discourse, even in the face of disagreement or criticism.