On April 22, 2025, some people’s vacation at Pahalgam, Kashmir turned out to be their worst nightmare with a Terror Attack. Not just them, the news shook our entire nation. Everyone wanted justice for the victims, and the Government chose May 7, 2025 as the day to attack the roots of terrorism in Pakistan. Precision Strike at terrorist camps named Operation Sindoor, followed by retaliation by Pakistani Military kept us all awake and alert, with blackouts in cities near the border. Every development was being briefed by the Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Col. Sofiya Qureshi and Wg. Cdr. Vyomika Singh. The India-Pakistan ceasefire on May 10, 2025 brought a sigh of relief, not for everyone. Some of us were too consumed with the tense situation that the end of it led to a virtual attack on Mr. Vikram Misri and his family. Here is a breakdown of what exactly happened and what did Vikram Misri do.
Who is the Foreign Secretary of India?
The role of India’s Foreign Secretary aligns with the functions of Indian Foreign Services. They handle the external activities of the Government of India. It particularly reflects upon India’s diplomatic, consular and commercial representation in other countries. The hierarchy goes in six stages – Under Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Director, Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary and Secretary. All of these fall under the Ministry of External Affairs.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri
Born in Srinagar, Mr. Vikram Misri completed his early education from Jammu and Kashmir, and Gwalior, and went to the Delhi University for bachelor’s degree. He completed MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur. At first, he worked in the private sector for 3 years in the advertising industry. Later, Mr. Misri shone as a career diplomat from the 1989 batch of the Indian Foreign Service.
Appointed as the 35th Foreign Secretary of India, Mr. Misri assumed charge on July 15, 2024. Before that, he served in various roles at the External Affairs Ministry, in India and abroad. Mr. Misri recently became a household name, because of his role in the Press briefing of the Government of India’s Operation Sindoor to fight terrorism, a strong reply against the Pahalgam Terror Attack.
What did Vikram Misri do?
Operation Sindoor was India’s response to Pahalgam Attack, this is known to all. The Mission started on the intervening night of May 6 and 7. The Government through Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Ministry of External Affairs, along with Col. Sofiya Qureshi and Wg. Cdr. Vyomika Singh briefed about all that happened, and why India took the harsh step against terrorism.
While everyone anticipated war, India-Pakistan Ceasefire brought a sigh of relief after 4 days of firings and military actions across the India-Pakistan border.
Netizens attack Vikram Misri and family
Since Mr. Misri had been keeping the country updated on every day action, the news of ceasefire was also disclosed by him. However, those who seemingly were flying high in the name of revenge against Pakistan were reportedly left heartbroken. These people all over the internet looking forward to the India Pakistan War did not like the idea of ceasefire. To express their frustration, they started targeting Mr. Misri, his wife, and even his daughters. These people forgot the fact that the government is responsible for decision making, and not the officers acting upon those decisions. Definitely not the ones involved in Press Briefing.
Freedom of Speech Exceeded
We all know and acknowledge that freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right, freedom of speech on social media also falls under the umbrella. However, our freedom should not come at the cost of someone else’s reputation or dignity. Criticism of the government may be good for democracy, but shouldn’t it be constructive criticism? If a person does not like what the government decides or does, they may share their opinions out there through various media. However, targeting a government official, and even his family who have nothing to do with the man’s role in the diplomatic operation, is not really justified.
Conclusion
India is the largest democracy. India’s stand has always been clear towards Pakistan sponsored terrorism, that we will not be among the ones who attack first. However, India’s new diplomatic and political policy has steered clear of any doubts, that if we are attacked, we will not step back. After all, the life of Indian army personnel and civilians also holds an important pedestal.
War takes lives, but sometimes it is necessary to deal with the enemy. Ceasefire proves the best to avoid further casualties, provided that the State-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan takes a back seat. In either case, we should stand with the nation, and not target one another with harsh words. At least not the ones who are serving the nation, or their families.
