New Delhi [India], May 12: The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday strongly denounced the online harassment and abuse aimed at Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family, particularly his daughter, in the aftermath of the recently announced India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement.
In an official statement, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar described the leak of personal contact details of Misri’s daughter as a “deeply irresponsible” act and a “serious breach of privacy” that jeopardises the safety of the family.
“The National Commission for Women strongly condemns the reprehensible online abuse directed against the family of Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary of India, particularly his daughter. Sharing personal contact details of the Foreign Secretary’s daughter is deeply irresponsible. It is a serious breach of privacy, which puts her safety at risk,” the statement said.
Rahatkar added that targeting the family of one of India’s most senior civil servants was “morally indefensible” and urged the public to uphold dignity and restraint in their conduct.
The incident occurred following India’s announcement of an understanding with Pakistan to cease hostilities, which came days after India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7 targeting terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. As the key spokesperson on the matter, Misri has drawn attention on social media, leading to abusive trolling and privacy violations. In response, he has locked his X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Such personal attacks on family members of the senior-most civil servant of the country, like Shri Misri, are not only unacceptable but also morally indefensible. We urge all to maintain decency, civility and restrained behaviour. Let us rise above this,” Rahatkar added.
The condemnation by the NCW was echoed by political leaders as well. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi expressed solidarity with Misri, stating, “Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has done his duty impeccably. There is absolutely no reason for anyone to feel malice towards him. He has only conveyed the message that the political leadership of India has taken.”