IAS, IPS, diplomats' bodies slam attack on Misri, his kin

NEW DELHI: Several associations of civil servants , politicians and prominent citizens have come out in support of foreign secretary Vikram Misri and slammed the vicious online attack which was unleashed on the senior bureaucrat after he announced the pause in India-Pakistan hostilities on Saturday. The trolling prompted the 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer to "lock" his X account. Misri's family members also faced trolling on social media.

The IAS Association said it stands in solidarity with Misri and his family and reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the dignity of public service. "Unwarranted personal attacks on civil servants performing their duties with integrity are deeply regrettable," it said.

In a statement, the Association of Indian Diplomats said, "This is appalling and completely unacceptable. He is an outstanding professional with an impeccable record. Strict action needs to be taken against those responsible."

These are "deplorable personal attacks" and "such unwarranted assaults on civil servants committed to their duties are absolutely intolerable," Indian Police Service Association said. "We commend his unwavering service to the nation and reaffirm our resolute commitment to safeguarding the dignity of public service."

Politicians cutting across party lines also came out strongly in support of Misri and his family. "It is unacceptable to target our professional diplomats and civil servants - those who work dedicatedly to serve the nation," Congress politician Sachin Pilot said.

Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi said Misri is a decent and hardworking diplomat working tirelessly for the country. "Our civil servants work under the Executive and this must be remembered and they shouldn't be blamed for the decisions taken by the Executive/or any political leadership running Watan-e-Aziz."

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said such incidents break the morale of honest officers, adding "some anti-social criminal elements are openly crossing all limits of abusive language against the officer and his family but neither BJP government nor any of its ministers is coming forward to protect his honour".