Kashmiri porters carried the tourists to safe places and opened their houses and masjids for the guests. Kashmir observed a ‘bandh’ and many processions were taken out, raising slogans of ‘Hindu Muslim Unity’, while across the country, Muslims and other groups took out candle marches and offered condolences for the martyrs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was due to visit Kashmir during that time but just a few days prior to the visit, he cancelled his trip. At the time of the tragedy, he was in a Gulf country. He cut short his trip and headed back home, and rather than going to Kashmir, went to Bihar to attend a rally, from where he gave a powerful warning to terrorists. The message that terrorists were Muslims and the victims were Hindus was the undercurrent of the whole narrative that was circulated.

Thereafter, there was escalation of tension and hostilities between India and Pakistan, and a ceasefire was declared by US President Donald Trump, while the Modi government has a different interpretation of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, ‘godi media’ had a field day spreading hate with different television channels reporting India winning over different cities of Pakistan while sitting in their plush studios. The TV media fell to unimaginable lows, further smashing the ethics of journalism long abandoned by them.

The worst outcome of all this has been the increase in hate against Muslims. Islamophobia is gripping the country with increasing intensity. In Latur, a Muslim was reportedly labelled a Pakistani and beaten black and blue. Humiliated by this, he allegedly died by suicide. Kashmiri students in a hostel in Uttarakhand were thrown out in the middle of the night and had to stay put in front of the Dehradun airport.

The worst of this was seen when Vijay Shah, a minister in Bharatiya Janata Party’s Madhya Pradesh government, indirectly referred to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, one of the spokespersons of the Indian Army, as a ‘sister of terrorists’. For the sake of face-saving, he did apologise for this but now the MP High Court has called for an FIR against him.

Mithila Raut, who works with Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai, in an article in Dainik Loksatta (Marathi) enumerates the number of hate incidents, as reported in the newspapers. As per her article, there have been many anti-Muslim incidents after the Pahalgam attack. In one such shocking incident in Uttar Pradesh, in Shamli’s Toda village, one Sarafaraz was attacked by one Govind, who is said to have stated that “you have killed our 26; we will kill your 26!” In Punjab’s Dera Bassi in the Universal Group of Institutes, Kashmiri students were allegedly attacked in the hostel.

One Shabbir Dhar, a Kashmiri vendor, living in Uttarakhand’s Mussoorie and selling shawls, was attacked along with his shop assistant as “revenge for Pahalgam”. He, and many other Kashmiri vendors, were threatened not to come back again. In Haryana’s Rohtak, in Kharawar village, Muslim residents were allegedly threatened and asked to leave the village by May 2.

These are some of the incidents that have been culled out from newspapers. How the atmosphere of hate has intensified is very clear from these incidents. The atmosphere in society has been gradually worsening. The Hindu Right-wing has already created an atmosphere against Muslims. Initially, this was created by use of medieval history, where the training in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) shakhas, the ‘godi media’ and social media created an “enemy image” of Muslims.

The formation of Pakistan gave another major pretext to those practicing communal politics to assert that it had been formed by Muslims. This is a totally distorted version of the account of history, as the formation of Pakistan was a combination of three factors — the British policy of ‘divide and rule’, Muslim communalism and Hindu communalism. The ‘Two Nation Theory’ was first articulated by Hindutva idealogue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

After the formation of Pakistan, the propaganda was that Partition took place due to Muslims, and this became an additional reason for spreading hate. As such, it was the formation of two States simultaneously, India and Pakistan. Pakistan was to be in Muslim-majority areas.

The add-on to the anti-Muslim propaganda came from the complex Kashmir issue. The exodus of Kashmiri pandits in 1990 was yet again used against Muslims. Exodus of pandits happened when the V P Singh government supported by BJP was ruling at Centre and the pro-BJP Jagmohan was the Governor of Kashmir. Ignoring all that, the anti-Muslim angle in pandits’ emigration became the central point around which hate against Muslims was unleashed.

So, step by step, more issues have been used to torment Indian Muslims. The voices of amity have been muted and every occasion now is turned into adding to the prevalent hate against Muslims, to vitiate the hate used by RSS-BJP to intensify its agenda of a Hindu nation.

Pahalgam and Diplomacy

The issue of Pahalgam has also brought to fore the change in the nature of Indian diplomacy. As per the Shimla Agreement (1971) between Indira Gandhi and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the India-Pakistan issues were to be sorted out in a bilateral manner, without mediation from any third party. With Trump dominating the scene now, and Modi unable to confront him, the equations seem to be changing. Globally, not many countries came to side with India.

The core point is to solve the Kashmir issue based on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Doctrine of ‘Insaniyat, Kashmiryat and Jamhooriyat’ (Humanism, Democracy). We need to live in peace with our neighbours, as Vajpayee again said: “Friends can change, but not neighbours.”

The reflections of ‘Hate Pakistan’, as is the wont of the Hindu Right-wing, supplemented by the loud-mouthed and hate- spewing Indian ‘godi media’, reflects badly on Indian Muslims. It vitiates the possibility of an amicable atmosphere at home.

The intensification of communal problems due to the Pahalgam tragedy needs to be grasped and war- and -hate- mongers have to be negated for peace and prosperity of our country. So far, ‘Pakistani’ was the main abuse for Muslims, ‘Kashmiri’ seems to have been added to the hate list.

The writer is a human rights activist, who taught at IIT Bombay. The views are personal.

Courtesy: Newsclick

The post Pahalgam Tragedy and Rising Spiral of Hatred appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The statement says that the ‘PUCL is deeply concerned at the illegal, unconstitutional, inhumane and brutal treatment of Rohingya refugees which violates India’s civilizational ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’’.

On May 6, 2025, several Rohingya refugees from Muslim and Christian communities who were registered with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees India (UNHCR) were reportedly detained by Delhi Police officials at different police stations under the pretext of collecting biometric data . They were picked up in vans and buses and held in custody at various police stations for over 24 hours. Subsequently, they were transferred to the Inderlok Detention Center in Delhi, with authorities claiming that biometric facilities were only available at that location and that the refugees would be released following the procedure.

To the utter shock of their families, says the statement, 43 detainees were not released after the biometric collection. Instead, they were covertly transported to the airport and flown to Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Later, they were forcibly put on naval ships with their hands tied and eyes blindfolded. They remained in that condition throughout the journey. Upon reaching the maritime border near Myanmar, the refugees — including children, women, the elderly, and individuals with serious health conditions such as cancer — were thrown into international waters near Tanintharyi region in Myanmar, which is rife with conflict, effectively abandoned to die.

Children as young as 15, female minors as young as 16, senior citizens up to 66 years old, and people suffering from cancer and other ailments were among those abandoned in the sea without regard for their lives or safety. PUCL contacted the distressed family members of the refugees to receive shocking details.

As one survivor of this inhumane and cruel treatment put it in an audio recording provided to PUCL:

“We were taken to Port Blair, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, aboard an army aircraft. Later, we were forcibly put onto naval ships with our hands tied and eyes blindfolded. We remained in that condition for the entire journey. We were tortured aboard the naval ships, beaten brutally, and interrogated. We were accused of involvement in the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. When we insisted that we were not involved, they told us we were pretending and disguising ourselves”.

“We were treated very badly. They used abusive language, and the women among us were subjected to sexual harassment and other forms of mistreatment. Then, we were thrown into international waters near Tanintharyi, bordering Thailand”.

A latest news report confirms that the 40 refugees are in Myanmar under the protection of the National Unity Government (NUG) in exile . The NUG has published a list of the 40 people saved without the whereabouts of the refugees being revealed.

It is learnt that three others who were detained along with them are reportedly still in the custody of the Inderlok Detention Centre of Delhi police.   In addition, about 14 other refugees from two families who were also taken to Vikaspuri Police Station on the evening of  May 6, 2025 were illegally detained. While the women were let off on 7th evening, the men were kept behind and relocated on 8th May, where they were beaten badly in custody, as per information provided by a family member of a survivor. It is …

In addition, about 14 other refugees from two families who were also taken to Vikaspuri Police Station on the evening of 6th May 2025 were illegally detained. While the women were let off on 7th evening, the men were kept behind and relocated on 8th May, where they were beaten badly in custody, as per information provided by a family member of a survivor. It is learnt that some others have been released pursuant to orders passed by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Dwarka.

Violation of international human rights standards and domestic law

The treatment meted out to the 40 Rohingya refugees who were thrown in international waters in gross violation of human rights, and the many more who are being harassed and tortured in India, is a blatant breach of India’s obligations under international law and also violates India’s own domestic law and policy. It bears repeating that arbitrarily throwing refugees into international waters is egregious conduct which is illegal, unconstitutional and a violation of the rules of international humanitarian and human rights law.

The fact that the refugees thrown into international waters, belong to the Rohingya community, which is one of the world’s most persecuted minorities, indicates that the Indian Government is even prepared to cast aside its obligations under one of the most important significant human rights treaty it has ratified, namely the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide of 1948.

The Rohingya have suffered decades of violence, discrimination and persecution in Myanmar, states the PUCL’s detailed statement. They have been forced to flee their own country fearing persecution and genocidal violence. While the largest numbers of Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers, numbering over a million stateless refugees, are living in Bangladesh, Rohingya refugees have also sought refuge in countries like Malaysia, India, Thailand and other countries in the region. The UNHCR India has issued Asylum Seeker Certificates, commonly known as Refugee Cards to about 22,500 Rohingya refugees living in India, as per the figures reported by Refugees International in December 2024. The same report also reveals the gross and systematic violations of constitutional and human rights inflicted upon the Rohingya refugees living in India .

All the Rohingya refugees meted with this inhuman and degrading treatment, including the 40 people abducted, tortured and thrown to die in international waters were registered with the UNHCR India. It is shocking to note that even while the refugees were illegally detained, the Supreme Court on 8th May 2025 while hearing a Petition to report the illegal detention and stop their deportation, refused to intervene to protect the life and dignity of the refugees. At the same time the government insisted that they were not obliged to extend protection of right to residence to the Rohingya refugees as the fundamental right to residence under Article 19(1)(e) is available only to Indian citizens.  Such an argument is both preposterous and absurd: the Rohingyas have not come voluntarily seeking `residence’ in India, they have fled genocidal violence and are seeking shelter and refuge in India.  They are as entitled as any other `person’ residing in India to protection of Article 21, the fundamental right to life and personal liberty, which is available to any person residing in India.

Even as India is not a signatory to United Nations Refugee Convention, the process for deportation of foreigners or those found to have illegally immigrated to India is provided under the Foreigners Act and connected legislations and policies. The authorities in any event have no right to resort to such brutalities, and inhuman and degrading treatment of refugees. The authorities have blatantly violated the provisions under the law and also the constitutional protections guaranteed to all `persons’, whether or not they are citizens, under Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution. The inhuman and degrading treatment of the refugees amount to torture and constitute violation of the United Nations Convention Against Torture, to which India is a signatory. In effect the illegal, arbitrary and inhumane method of deportation, makes a mockery of justice and marks the abuse of the process of law.

The Indian government has also failed in its obligations under the United Nations Genocide Convention – ratified in 1959 – which require the Indian state to actively prevent genocide, by pushing the destitute Rohingya refugees back to the site of violence which they escaped under precarious circumstances. Even legal deportation to a country where the deportees face persecution violates the principle of `non-refoulement’ which is today a part of customary international law. Such deportation of the Rohingyas back to Myanmar is particularly egregious as the International Court of Justice has come to a preliminary finding that the Rohingya were subjected to genocide in Myanmar.

However, leaving aside the international law principle of non-refoulement, the Indian Government was bound under our own law to ensure that there is no violation of the right to equality and the right to be treated with dignity, which is due to all persons. The fact that those who had UNHCR documentation were arbitrarily picked up, beaten up, tortured, sexually abused and deported violates the right the equal treatment as well as the right to dignity.  The fact that these arbitrary raids have broken up families, with some members deported and others spared violates the right to life under Article 21.

It is a fact that the Government of India has already accepted and recognised the Rohingya refugees as persecuted communities and recognised their identity in the form of UNHCR issued refugee cards. To now term and vilify one of the most persecuted communities in the world as illegal immigrants would be grave injustice and curtails their life and liberty violating Article 21 laid down under Constitution of India.

The actions of the Government of India run totally contrary to the ruling of the Supreme Court which observed in the landmark decision of `National Human Rights Commission Vs State of Arunachal Pradesh’:

‘‘We are a country governed by the Rule of Law. Our Constitution confers certain rights on every human being and certain other rights on citizens. Every person is entitled to equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. So also, no person can be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. Thus, the State is bound to protect the life and liberty of every human being, be he a citizen or otherwise…’

At the very least, the Rohingyas are entitled to due process under existing law which requires that the detainee get notice, opportunity of hearing and representation- all of which were all wilfully flouted in the case of the 40 refugees who were surreptitiously deported. This constitutes a violation of natural justice principles and tantamount to cruel and degrading treatment, which is not authorised by Indian law.

Apart from the fact that the Indian government throwing refugees into the sea is callous and illegal, it is also deeply antithetical to our civilisational ethos, concludes the PUCL statement.

‘The deceptive and fraudulent manner adopted by the Government of India in the forcible removal and dumping of Rohingya refugees in the sea coast of Myanmar and Thailand, is eerily similar to the approach of the Trump Administration to removal of those they call as `illegal aliens’ from the USA. Undeterred by court injunctions, the Trump administration has flouted the `rule of law’ to illegally deport even, citizens of the USA or those who have proper residence permits.

‘What is extremely worrying is that the BJP-led government, both at the centre and the state, seem to have adopted the present Trump-led US government’s approach of cocking a snook at the doctrine of `rule of law’ and disregarding court orders.

‘The paradigm shift in approach to refugees of the Modi-led Government is highlighted by the statement of Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam who said that the new policy is of “pushing back” illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas at the borders itself. He continued,

“Now we have decided not to go ahead with the legal process. Earlier the system was to arrest a person and bring him to the Indian legal system. …. now we have decided we will not bring them inside the country. We will push them back. Pushing them back is the new phenomenon. Pushing back is innovation ”.

PUCL condemns this so-called innovative method adopted by the BJP government as heartless, inhumane, illegal and unconstitutional.  PUCL strongly condemns the inhuman and degrading treatment, torture, abduction and attempted killing of the Rohingya refugees. The statement was issued by Kavita Srivastava, president and V. Suresh, general secretary of the PUCL.

PUCL calls upon the Indian Government to:

1. Initiate immediate inquiry into the grave allegations of human rights violations against the Rohingya refugees by the authorities and fix accountability on the officers responsible and ensure that they are tried and punished as per law.
2. Reiterate its commitment to the protection of Rohingya refugees in India and assure that no such illegal steps will be undertaken by government functionaries without following due process and will not threaten and push to genocidal danger, the members of the persecuted Rohingya community.
3. Disclose the whereabouts to the families of the detainees and produce all illegally detained persons immediately to be released to the safe care and protection of their families.

Related:

Rohingya Genocide 2012-2018: Argentinian Court issues arrest warrants to Myanmar military leaders

Detained and dehumanized: The plight of Rohingya refugees in detention centres

Killing by Hunger: Rohingya Muslims starved after Cyclone Mocha in Rakhine state, UN denied access: Myanmar

The post BJP govt’s ‘inhumane deportation of 40 Rohingya refugees’ condemned: PUCL appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The busy thoroughfare from Dharamtolla Lenin Statue Crossing to Sealdah was teeming with anti-war and anti-terrorism placards and red flags, calling for peace in the sub-continent, “but not on the conditions set by US imperialism.”

Peace activist Arindam Mukherjee told Newsclick that Tuesday’s march was “historic” with slogans reverberating against war-mongering, terrorism and the “ploy” to communally divide the country on communal lines.”

The peace march comes in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack, killing 26 tourists, including a local pony man, as well as civilian and armed personnel killed during the escalation of tension with Pakistan.

“The country has been seeing polarisation on communal lines,” said Mukherjee.

Also, the US President Donald Trump “poking his nose” in an issue that concerns the two neighbours was an insult to the people of the country, he added.

He said a section of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP)s  IT cell even said that “Pakistan will be taken over by India”, and fake videos were circulated in the social media.

“After Trump’s tweet on X, the Indian Prime Minister called for a ceasefire. This is a bilateral issue, not a tripartite issue. This rally is also against the narrative of linking terrorism with Islam,” he added.

Mukherjee said peace rallies should be taken to grassroot areas to dispel the counter-narrative of hatred, war and jingoism being spread by BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).”

Speaking to reporters before the rally began, Left Front chairman Biman Basu said the Pahalgam (Kashmir) incident was a nefarious one. He said the fact that Adil, the owner of pony, too, died at the hands of the terrorists to protect tourists and uphold Kashmiriyat, is being forgotten by the media.

Addressing the rally, Communist Party of India (Marxist) state secretary Mohd Salim said, “We had held a march in Kolkata right after the Pahalgam attack and had said that when the country is under attack, then it is necessary to keep the people of the country united at all costs. Unity is our forte, which terrorists tried to break by this heinous act. Even foreign secretary Vikram Misri has admitted that the aim of terrorists was to break peoples’ unity in the country. But strangely, the BJP IT cell has targeted the foreign secretary and trolled him and his daughter. Even the wife of the dead Navy lieutenant did not escape the abuse of the BJP IT cell for speaking in support of people’s unity. The IT cell people are working like associates of the terrorists within the country,”

Salim added that, “Strangely, the Prime Minister did not take any stance against this (attack on Misri and the Navy officer’s wife) and instead zeroed in on independent media outlet, The Wire, for publication of true news.”

Courtesy: Newsclick

The post Left Parties Take Out Huge Peace Rally in Kolkata Against War, Terrorism, Communalism appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Despite being the public face of the Ministry of External Affairs during the conflict, Misri faced intense backlash from right-wing social media accounts who labelled him a “traitor” and accused him of “surrendering” India’s military advantage. These attacks came after he officially announced the ceasefire on the evening of May 10, and continued through the next day with personal, often vicious, trolling.

The abuse escalated as trolls dug up old posts of Misri’s family, specifically targeting his daughter, Didon Misri, who is based in London and works at the global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills. Her brief internship with the UNHCR in Myanmar during her law school years was misrepresented by trolls as “legal support for Rohingya Muslims”, with coordinated narratives accusing both father and daughter of being sympathetic to causes seen as ‘anti-national’ by the far-right. In reality, Didon Misri specialises in international arbitration and has represented the Indian government in several legal matters abroad.

Misri had been at the forefront of delivering calm and measured briefings from the Ministry of External Affairs throughout the Operation Sindoor conflict. He had publicly defended democratic values, saying that “criticising the government is the hallmark of democracy”—a position at odds with the aggressive nationalist rhetoric from BJP supporters and affiliated online influencers. As per the report of The Wire, Misri’s refusal to confirm unverified claims—such as the death of Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Abdul Rauf Azhar, which the BJP had already broadcast as fact— might have further enraged right-wing circles.

After the ceasefire announcement, Misri became the scapegoat for what many online trolls framed as a strategic retreat. Many media reports, including The Wire, Times of India, LiveMint, showed how personal attacks turned abusive, accusing him of jeopardising national security, “prostrating before Pakistan,” and even targeting his daughter’s career choices abroad. As the trolling crossed into threats and doxxing, Misri was left with no choice but to lock his account—a rare move for someone in his position.

The backlash has been widely condemned by the IAS Association, journalists, and opposition leaders, who have pointed to the dangerous precedent of targeting civil servants for carrying out official duties. Yet, top government functionaries have remained silent. Notably, at the time of the publishing of the present article, neither External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar nor Defence Minister Rajnath Singh—who posted multiple times about BrahMos and Operation Sindoor—have publicly supported Misri or addressed the abuse.

The government’s silence has drawn sharp criticism and raised serious concerns about its unwillingness to protect bureaucrats from politically motivated social media attacks. At a time when foreign policy decisions are being dissected in real-time on volatile digital platforms, the abandonment of a senior diplomat in the face of such vitriol sends a chilling message about the costs of public service.

Background: The ceasefire announcement

On Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced a significant breakthrough: India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire across land, air, and sea following a week of dangerous military escalation involving drones and missile strikes. Speaking at a press briefing, Misri stated that the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations had reached an understanding during a phone call and that the next round of talks are scheduled for today, May 12. The announcement came shortly after US President Donald Trump posted on social media, claiming the talks had been “mediated” by the United States.

The outpouring of support

Political Leaders Defend Misri: The vitriol prompted an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi reminded the public that civil servants function under the executive and should not be blamed for political decisions. “Mr Vikram Misri is a decent and honest, hardworking diplomat working tirelessly for our nation. Our civil servants work under the executive—this must be remembered. They shouldn’t be blamed for decisions taken by the executive or any political leadership running Watan-e-Aziz,” he posted on X.

Mr Vikram Misri is a decent and an Honest Hard working Diplomat working tirelessly for our Nation.
Our Civil Servants work under the Executive this must be remembered & they shouldn’t be blamed for the decisions taken by The Executive /or any Political leadership running Watan E… https://t.co/yfM3ygfiyt

— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) May 11, 2025

The Congress party’s Kerala unit also condemned the trolling, noting the pattern of hate attacks. “Last week, Modi bhakts launched a vicious character assassination campaign against Ms Himanshi Narwal… Now, they’re targeting Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, as though he unilaterally decided on the ceasefire, not Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh or Jaishankar… Modi is now grappling with the Frankenstein’s monster he created in the form of the IT Cell,” the statement read.

Last week, Modi bhakts launched a vicious character assassination campaign against Ms Himanshi Narwal, the widow of a soldier and officer, simply because she appealed for “no hate, no violence”.

Now, they’re targeting Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, as though he unilaterally… pic.twitter.com/wHyCyRRR8F

— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) May 11, 2025

Did any Modi ministers come in support of Vikram Mirsi after their criminal IT cell attacked his family and him for simply communicating ceasefire that Modi decided?

No

Did they reprimand their IT Cell from attacking him?

No

The Businessman’s Jackpot Party will never do it.… pic.twitter.com/s5IQHWualn

— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) May 12, 2025

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav slammed the government for its silence, writing: “It is the government’s responsibility to make decisions – not individual officers… but neither the BJP government nor any of its ministers are coming forward to protect his honour and respect.”

निर्णय तो सरकार का होता है; किसी अधिकारी का नहीं।

ये बेहद संवेदनशील, निंदनीय, शर्मनाक, आपत्तिजनक और दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण बात है कि देश के एक बहुत बड़े अधिकारी और उसके परिवार के ख़िलाफ़ कुछ असामाजिक-आपराधिक तत्व सरेआम अपशब्दों की सारी सीमाएं तोड़ रहे हैं लेकिन उनके मान-सम्मान की रक्षा… pic.twitter.com/scIUETtX1e

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 11, 2025

PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan called the abuse an eye-opener, stating: “Calling this hate ‘nationalism’ is the biggest lie of our time. For a decade, patriots, soldiers, scholars, and diplomats have been attacked for rejecting bloodlust. The right-wing hate engine is India’s real threat, and this rot must end before it ends us.”

The abuse towards Vikram Misri & his daughter is an eye-opener. Calling this hate ‘Nationalism’ is the biggest lie of our time. For a decade, patriots,soldiers, scholars, diplomats have been attacked for rejecting bloodlust. Right Wing hate engine is India’s real threat & this… pic.twitter.com/jS6Mwn3Q1Q

— Mohit Bhan موہت بھان (@buttkout) May 11, 2025

The video included in this post shows the kind of vile remarks that were made against Misri and his family.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, in an interview with NDTV, called the trolling “preposterous.” “Young Vikram Misri has done an outstanding job. He worked very hard, very long hours and is an extremely effective voice for India. I can’t understand who on earth would troll and why?” Tharoor added that the dignified conduct of officers like Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofia Qureshi should be celebrated, not attacked.

TMC MP Mahua Moitra posted on X: “Disgusting to see social media trolling of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri & family—no professional diplomat doing his job should be subjected to this. Stand strong, Sir—not everyone in this country is as vile as AndhBhakts.”

Disgusting to see social media trolling of Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri & family – no professional diplomat doing his job should be subjected to this. Stand strong, Sir – not everyone in this country is as vile as AndhBhakts.

— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) May 11, 2025

Congress leader Sachin Pilot wrote: “It’s unacceptable to target our professional diplomats and civil servants — those who work dedicatedly to serve the nation.”

I condemn the social media trolling directed at family of the Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri

It’s unacceptable to target our professional diplomats and civil servants — those who work dedicatedly to serve the nation. pic.twitter.com/n9FOotbbvx

— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) May 11, 2025

Support from former diplomats and bureaucrats: Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao labelled the attacks “utterly shameful,” noting they “cross every line of decency.” She defended Misri’s professionalism and condemned the doxxing and harassment of his daughter.

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…

— Nirupama Menon Rao (@NMenonRao) May 11, 2025

Former diplomat Navdeep Suri echoed this, saying: “It is absolutely disgusting to see the trolls target Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family. He has been a picture of professionalism—calm, composed, measured and articulate. But that’s not enough for the bloodlust of a section of our society. Shameful!”

It is absolutely disgusting to see the trolls target Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri and his family. He has been a picture of professionalism – calm, composed, measured and articulate. But that’s not enough for the bloodlust of a section of our society. Shameful!

— Navdeep Suri (@navdeepsuri) May 11, 2025

Several senior bureaucrats rallied behind Misri. V Srinivas, Union Secretary of Administrative Reforms, praised him as one of India’s “most celebrated diplomats” who exemplifies a “Nation First” approach.

Amb Vikram Misri is amongst India’s most celebrated Diplomats, has always epitomised the best values of service above self and Nation First approach, I express my solidarity with him.

Dt 10.5.2025@narendramodi @DrSJaishankar @DrJitendraSingh @MEAIndia @IASassociation https://t.co/vKtA47nLNX

— V.Srinivas IAS (@svoruganti1466) May 11, 2025

As per the report of The Indian Express, Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs and Misri’s batchmate, stated: “Highly regrettable that dedicated & sincere civil servants are targeted for performing their duties. His devotion to duty must be applauded & his family’s dignity must be defended.”

The IAS Association also issued a formal statement: “Unwarranted personal attacks on civil servants performing their duties with integrity are deeply regrettable. We reaffirm our commitment to uphold the dignity of public service.”

The IAS Association stands in solidarity with Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, & his family.
Unwarranted personal attacks on civil servants performing their duties with integrity are deeply regrettable.
We reaffirm our commitment to uphold the dignity of public service. pic.twitter.com/qahtRLfCLF

— IAS Association (@IASassociation) May 11, 2025

Solidarity was also shown by others:

It is deeply regrettable to witness undignified and distasteful remarks directed at Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri ~ a distinguished IFS officer who has served the nation with utmost dedication in critical diplomatic roles.

Bureaucrats India strongly condemns such… pic.twitter.com/zNRtlW1GUA

— Bureaucrats India (@BureaucratsInd) May 11, 2025

pic.twitter.com/8rfVneBBDY

— IPS Association (@IPS_Association) May 11, 2025

Statements from civil society, media, and others: Prominent journalist Madhavan Narayanan recalled working with Misri during his stint in the Prime Minister’s Office under Manmohan Singh. “Pity that such composed career diplomats are being trolled for doing a thoroughly professional job. Something is terribly wrong somewhere in a country that cannot salute excellence,” he wrote.

I have very pleasant memories of #VikramMisri when he was in the PMO with the late PM Manmohan Singh.. I was on board a long flight with the PM and still remember the bonhomie in the PM’s team. Pity that such composed career diplomats are being trolled for doing a thoroughly…

— Madhavan Narayanan (@madversity) May 11, 2025

Comedian and actor Vir Das commented: “Vikram Misri was amazing, so were Colonel Sophiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.”

Vikram Misri was amazing, so were Colonel Sophiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.

— Vir Das (@thevirdas) May 11, 2025

Fact-checker Mohammed Zubair highlighted the organised nature of the attacks: “First they went after Himanshi Narwal… Now the same trolls are going after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his daughter, abusing and sharing her mobile number.”

First they went after Himanshi Narwal, The Wife of the Navy Officer Vinay Narwal. And now the same trolls are going after the Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri and his daughter, Abusing and sharing her mobile number.

— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) May 11, 2025

Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri has now protected his account.
Reason: Right wing trolls were digging out his old tweets with his family and abusing them. https://t.co/fuAE3A8fYc pic.twitter.com/yQpfQqaKKq

— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) May 11, 2025

A symptom of a larger problem?

The abuse directed at India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family is not an isolated incident—it is part of a broader and disturbing pattern of coordinated online targeting, often against individuals who speak truth to power, advocate peace, or simply fulfil their public duties with integrity.

Journalist Raju Parulekar summed it up starkly in a tweet titled “Time to Rethink”, where he wrote:

“India’s Foreign Secretary and his family are targeted by RW troll army. That’s not surprising, as the traits of the Leadership percolate. ‘Congress ki vidhwa’, ‘50 crore ki girlfriend’, ‘jersey gaay’ etc show a glimpse into the patriarchal, misogynistic and regressive mindset of Narendra Modi.

If he can say this despite occupying a constitutional office, the trolls working to bolster his image can definitely stoop to the lowest.

Hopefully, the Babus learn something from this. Their political master is not the man worth dying for. And he’s certainly not going to stand for their honour against his troll army.”

Sub: Time to Rethink

India’s Foreign Secretary and his family are targeted by RW troll army.

That’s not surprising, as the traits of the Leadership percolate.

“Congress ki vidhwa”, “50 crore ki grilfriend”, “jersey gaay” etc show a glimpse into the patriarchical,… pic.twitter.com/YR5aHyV9Bi

— Raju Parulekar (@rajuparulekar) May 11, 2025

Parulekar’s tweet captures the climate of impunity in which online abuse flourishes—a climate set from the very top and maintained by a digital ecosystem that treats dissent, empathy, and professionalism as offences worthy of punishment.

The episode has laid bare the toxicity of online discourse in India, especially when it intersects with nationalism, diplomacy, and military matters. Misri’s abuse is not an isolated incident but a continuation of a pattern where professionals who speak or act in favour of peace are vilified by right-wing online ecosystems.

Kashmir Times editor Anuradha Bhasin and The Wire’s Arfa Khanum Sherwani both reported receiving rape threats for their public stances. Bhasin, whose newspaper has consistently upheld a no-war position and has extensively documented the suffering of people living near the Line of Control, found her X account blocked amidst the threats. Sherwani, a senior journalist known for her integrity, also faced a barrage of abuse intended to silence and intimidate.

Defence spokespersons Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh were criticised by online trolls for allegedly “fumbling” during official press briefings. Several X accounts falsely claiming to be operated by the two officers began circulating soon after their appearances. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) was forced to intervene, publicly clarifying that both officers are not present on the platform and disavowing the impersonator accounts.

The widow of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, Himanshi, also became a target after she spoke out against the communalisation of grief and the scapegoating of Muslims in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Her calls for peace and unity were met with vicious online character assassination, further highlighting the entrenched intolerance for dissenting or humane voices in a deeply polarised digital environment.

Together, these instances underscore the cost of empathy, integrity, and professional duty in today’s India. Whether one is a bureaucrat, journalist, officer, or a grieving family member—any expression that disrupts the dominant narrative risks being met with vitriol. In this environment, the state’s silence—or worse, complicity—only emboldens the attackers.

The refusal to hold those responsible for such coordinated harassment campaigns accountable raises critical concerns about the protection of civil servants, the weaponisation of digital hate, and the government’s unwillingness to condemn such behaviour when it comes from its support base.

As calls grow louder for action against the trolls, the dignified silence of Vikram Misri and his continued commitment to duty have earned him admiration from across ideological lines, proving once again that professionalism, integrity, and courage in public service still command respect.

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Following executive order from government, X asked to block 8000 accounts in India

Pahalgam: Voices of peace and reason in times of war

The post Trolled for Duty: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri locks X account amid right-wing abuse over India-Pakistan ceasefire appeared first on SabrangIndia.

This means that South Asia has one of the highest population densities in the world, estimated as the number of people living in one square km.

While the entire world has a population density of about 60, South Asia has a population density of 303, over five times the world average.

In several cities of South Asia the population density can be many times more. In the most densely populated district of Karachi Central, the population density is 55,396. In Kolkata this is 24,252.

One of the implications of very high population density is that in any modern-day war which uses very destructive weapons, loss of life can potentially be much higher compared to most other countries. To mention two war and civil war-ravaged countries which have suffered high war-related mortality in recent times, Ukraine has population density of 67 while Sudan has population density of 29. This gives an indication of potentially how high war mortality can be in conditions of very high population density that prevail in South Asia.

These and several other facts regarding very high risks must be kept in consideration at a time when a lot of concern is being expressed regarding the increasing possibilities of escalation of war-risks involving India and Pakistan.

However the single most important factor is not regarding the risk escalation of recent days. The most important fact is that India and Pakistan have stepped back from such high risk situations in the past to avoid war. If they could do so in the past, they should be able to do so now too, thereby saving South Asia from massive distress and disaster.

Both sides are heavily armed and are in a position to procure more weapons from bigger powers. Both sides are nuclear weapon powers and there are estimates of the two countries having a total of about 340 nuclear weapons, more or less in equal numbers.

War involving any such two countries A and B may take this path—in the first few days there is high loss of life from conventional weapons on both sides but with the passage of time the bigger conventional power A gains a clear edge, and then faced with a serious crisis, the weaker power B resorts to using nuclear weapons and in reply immediately the stronger power A also uses nuclear weapons.

Of course this is not a very likely path as leaders of both countries being well aware of the unacceptably high dangers of nuclear weapons are likely to stop short of using these but at the same time the possibility of use of nuclear weapons cannot be ruled out entirely, and this is a very big risk indeed, an unacceptably high risk.

The risks have also increased at present because of other big wars occupying the attention of great powers. However even otherwise the will-power for playing non-partisan mediator role has reduced and instead there is much more arbitrariness in evidence at the international level. The role of the United Nations has been steadily becoming less significant.

At the same time the existence of bilateral security arrangements or risk-minimizing arrangements between India and Pakistan are extremely weak and inadequate just now.

Hence the best policy for both countries is to quickly move back from any risks of war. Leaders of both countries simply have to display greater maturity and commitment to peace and if they do so, history will still remember them for saving South Asia from disaster.

People of both countries have deep respect for several sacred sites and places of great cultural heritage located in the other country. People of both countries have much to benefit from having better relations with each other. Let us not forget all this in the heat of the present day intense hostilities. If good sense of quickly stopping further escalation prevails today, in the coming years this wisdom and good sense will be greatly appreciated by the people as well as the upcoming generation.

The world is already deeply troubled by war and conflict. Let us not add to this by igniting a new one between two nuclear weapon countries. No other kind of war can be more risky than a war between two nuclear weapon countries.

Both countries have important development challenges ahead of them. The path of development and meeting the needs and aspirations of all people will be seriously harmed if war breaks out.

If this war breaks out then everyone involved will suffer to some extent and in some way or the other, and in the worst case scenario there will be the kind of massive destruction that only nuclear weapons can cause. Neighbouring countries not involved in the war will also be very adversely affected.

So the leaders of both the countries should do their best to avoid the possibility of such a war.

(The author is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Protecting Earth for Children, Planet in Peril, A Day in 2071 and Man over Machine—A Path to Peace)           

The post South Asia must stay away from war: High risks and costs for all appeared first on SabrangIndia.

It is imperative that what has happened should not be exaggerated, and the tendency of certain sections to exaggerate and hence further provoke conflict between two neighbouring countries of the global south should be checked.

In fact it is important to emphasise that this is a time for de-escalation, restraint and diplomacy to ensure that any further escalation can be avoided. It is important to emphasise that the two countries are not at war with each other, and it is certainly possible to avoid a war at this stage. Such situations have arisen in the past, even during the last decade, and therefore even now, things could be scaled back without causing a war. The situation at present is no worse than it was at that time. If good sense prevails, then two neighbours could gradually revert back towards more or less normal times. There is no reason why this cannot happen again. Exaggerated accounts will only worsen the prospects for peace.

India’s stand on the attack in the form of Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7 has been conveyed in these words, “Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution.”

This is very far from being war-talk. From this point if de-escalation and restraint are exercised, as emphasised by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier on May 5, it is certainly possible to avoid war. The UN Chief had stated on May 5 that it is very important to avoid a military confrontation that could spin out of control. He also stated that the UN stands ready to support any initiative of de-escalation, diplomacy and a renewed commitment to peace. Now again on May 7 soon after the attack the UN Chief has again called for ‘maximum military restraint” adding that the world cannot afford a war between the two countries.

Exchange of fire has been reported since the Pahalgam attack from some border areas, and various kinds of hostile measures have been announced by both sides, including those relating to trade, economic ties, travel and water-sharing. One hopes that following de-escalation several of these decisions can be reconsidered by both sides. However the biggest urgency just now is to avoid the possibility of further escalation which, as the UN chief has warned, has the danger of spinning out of control. Such a high risk should be avoided in all circumstances as both sides are nuclear weapon countries and it is widely recognized that any war between such countries should always be avoided. There may be very low likelihood of actual use of nuclear weapons as leaders of both countries are after all well aware of the possibility that the nearly 340 nuclear weapons the two countries are estimated to possess can destroy the entire region and in fact a much wider area. Nevertheless even with the low likelihood of actual use, the well-established understanding and wisdom is that the potential of destruction being so high, two nuclear weapon countries should not come even close to the possibility of war.   An already deeply troubled world simply cannot afford such high risks and all arguments are strongly in favour of de-escalation and return to near normalcy in the relationship between India and Pakistan as early as possible.

(The author is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Saving Earth for Children, Planet in Peril, A Day in 2071 and Man over Machine—A Path to Peace)        

Related:

Pahalgam: Voices of peace and reason in times of war

Poonch Victims: Civilians as targets of shelling

The post After India’s ‘limited strikes’ on Pakistan, de-escalation, restraint, diplomacy needed to avoid war appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Siddharth Varadarajan, founder of The Wire, has condemned the actions against his platform and Bhasin’s account. He called the blocking of the website and account a clear violation of press freedom in India. Varadarajan’s statement read:

“Dear readers of The Wire, in a clear violation of the Constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press, the Government of India has blocked access to thewire.in across India.”

Dear Readers of The Wire In a clear violation of the Constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press, the Government of India has blocked access to https://t.co/BCdnZhucBj across India. + pic.twitter.com/YO0TlQkVVL

— Siddharth (@svaradarajan) May 9, 2025

The Chennai Press Club has, in a strong statement condemned the blocking of both The Wire and Maktoob Media

The statement of the Chennai press club may be read below

Chief Minister Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, in strong words, condemned the action. “Silencing the media at a critical juncture undermines the spirit of democracy. I hope the Union government reconsiders and lifts the ban on @thewire_inLet not press freedom be strangled in the world’s largest democracy.

Silencing the media at a critical juncture undermines the spirit of democracy. I hope the Union government reconsiders and lifts the ban on @thewire_in.

Let not press freedom be strangled in the world’s largest democracy. https://t.co/qf1NyAyYTg

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) May 9, 2025

Comrade MA Baby, newly elected general secretary of the CPI (M) has strongly condemned the act of censorship in a tweet. “When media outlets that are continuously peddling fake news on #OperationSindoor are being allowed to run uninterrupted, credible news portals are being blocked. Such attacks on the freedom of the press are not acceptable, Baby wrote.

Strongly condemn the censorship of The Wire. When media outlets that are continuously peddling fake news on #OperationSindoor are being allowed to run uninterrupted, credible news portals are being blocked. Such attacks on the freedom of the press are not acceptable.@thewire_in https://t.co/hFc4MAqRUT

— M A Baby (@MABABYCPIM) May 9, 2025

Seema Chisty, editor at The Wire tweeted, “Why freedom of the Press matters to non-press janta is an essay. But briefly – because voices of the Press are canaries in the coalmine. What protects the Press in India is what protects the average citizen. Your allowing it to get gagged is allowing yourself to go down”

Why freedom of the Press matters to non-press janta is an essay.

But briefly – because voices of the Press are canaries in the coalmine.

What protects the Press in India is what protects the average citizen. Your allowing it to get gagged is allowing yourself to go down

— Seema Chishti (@seemay) May 9, 2025

Digipub Condemns Blocking of The Wire’s Website, CPI’s D. Raja Writes to Ashwini Vaishnaw

‘We urge the Ministry to act decisively against channels and platforms that promote communal hatred and spread falsehoods. Access must be restored to platforms which are responsible and act to maintain national unity.’

Following the government blocking users’ access to the website of The Wire, Communist Party of India general secretary D. Raja has written to Union minister of information and broadcasting while digital news body Digipub has condemned the move.

The Wire has learnt that the block on its website is according to the orders of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Various internet service providers are saying multiple things.

Raja’s letter

In his letter to minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, D. Raja has highlighted how misinformation was allowed to run rampant during ‘Operation Sindoor’.

I, on behalf of the Communist Party of India, register my deep concern over the inflammatory and misleading content being aired by several television news channels following Operation Sindoor. While the nation stands united against terrorism, we are witnessing a dangerous trend where certain channels are communalising the issue, spreading unverified claims, and promoting war hysteria—without any official confirmation from the Government or Armed Forces.

Raja said that such coverage creates panic and fear. Here, he mentioned that responsible news portals like The Wire have been blocked, in contrast.

Such coverage not only undermines responsible journalism but also poses a direct threat to national cohesion. Warmongering and targeting of communities erode trust, create fear among citizens, and play into the hands of those who seek to destabilize the country. Public anxiety is being inflamed, not addressed. Even public broadcasters have echoed this irresponsible tone, failing the basic duty of informing people with accuracy and dignity. The Armed Forces themselves had to counter claims made by such news channels on many occasions. At the same time, access to responsible news portals like TheWire.in has been blocked.

Raja noted that the CPI rejected attempts to turn the tragedy of Pahalgam into a spectacle of hate and division. “Conflict must not become a tool to distract from facts or delegitimize fellow citizens. The cost of such narratives is paid by ordinary people in the form of insecurity, polarization, and long-term damage to the democratic fabric,” he wrote.

He urged for decisive communication from the government.

We urge the Ministry to act decisively against channels and platforms that promote communal hatred and spread falsehoods. Access must be restored to platforms which are responsible and act to maintain national unity. We also call for coordinated and periodic, fact-based briefings from your Ministry, in consultation with the ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, and External Affairs, to counter misinformation and provide the public with credible updates.

Raja added that it is rightly said that truth is the first casualty of war, but “today, truth is being sacrificed even before a war exists—buried under noise, prejudice, and sensationalism.”

The airwaves must not become battlegrounds of distortion when the nation needs calm and clarity. We hope this urgent and pressing matter concerning national unity in challenging times will find your immediate attention.

Digipub statement

DIGIPUB, a group of digital news websites of which The Wire is a member, said that it strongly condemns the blocking of The Wire’s website. It said:

DIGIPUB’s founding member The Wire has released a statement on Friday, May 9 stating that the access to their website has been blocked by some Internet Service Providers following government orders. One of the ISPs says the block has been done by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the IT Act, 2000.

If the Indian government has indeed blocked access to The Wire, then it is a blatant attack on press freedom. Silencing independent media doesn’t protect democracy-it weakens it.

The statement noted that this “is a critical time for the nation and such actions impede rational thinking. The urgency and horrors of battle cannot be used as an excuse to silence independent journalism.”

It added that a free media is the best antidote to misinformation and fake news and said:

“We demand the immediate reversal of such censorship, the orders for which have not even been made public. The Indian Government must uphold constitutional values of free speech and restore unrestricted access to independent media democracy cannot survive in silence.”

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India’s Censorship Hypocrisy: Ban on Santosh and promotion of Chhaava

The post Censorship: The Wire, India’s credible news and analysis portal blocked, widespread condemnation appeared first on SabrangIndia.

“In our opinion, the comments were highly irresponsible and reflect a penchant to attract attention by casting aspersions on the Supreme Court of India and the Judges of the Supreme Court. This apart, the statements show ignorance about the role of the constitutional courts and the duties and obligations bestowed on them under the Constitution.” (Para 5)

The observations came in response to a writ petition filed under Article 32 read with Article 129 of the Constitution by Advocate Vishal Tiwari. The petition sought the initiation of suo-moto criminal contempt proceedings against Dubey for making scandalising remarks against the Court and the CJI, and also sought directions to the Ministry of Home Affairs to register FIRs under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, against political leaders delivering provocative speeches related to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

While the Court ultimately refrained from issuing notice or initiating contempt proceedings, it delivered a strong and detailed order that firmly asserted the judiciary’s role and constitutional mandate, and simultaneously condemned hate speech in the strongest terms.

Dubey’s remarks intended to scandalise, Court asserts

The Court scrutinised the content of Dubey’s public remarks, in which he accused Chief Justice Khanna of being “responsible for all the civil wars happening in India” and claimed that “it is only and only the Supreme Court that is responsible for inciting religious wars in the country.” The bench unequivocally held that such statements “tend to scandalise and lower the authority of the Supreme Court of India” and exhibit an intent to obstruct the administration of justice.

“We have examined the contents of the assertions made by respondent no. 4, which no doubt tend to scandalize and lower the authority of the Supreme Court of India, if not interfere or tend to interfere with the judicial proceedings pending before this Court, and have the tendency to interfere and obstruct the administration of justice.” (Para 4)

The Court noted that these statements amounted to a direct imputation of motives to a sitting bench of the apex court. It also clarified that the statutory exemptions under Sections 3 and 4 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971—which relate to fair and accurate reporting or innocent publication—did not prima facie apply in this case. It added with emphasis, “There is no civil war in India.”

“The statements made reflect the clear intent to impute motives to the Bench itself by naming the Chief Justice of India as “responsible for all the civil wars happening in India” and “in order to incite religious wars in this country, it is only and only the Supreme Court that is responsible”. Sections 3 and 4 of the Act carve out exceptions which, prima facie, are not attracted. There is no ‘civil war’ in India.” (Para 4)

Despite this, the Court chose not to initiate contempt proceedings, noting that judicial power must be exercised with discernment and restraint.

“We, therefore, refrain from taking any action. This Court in, In Re S. Mulgaokar,3 observed that the judiciary is not immune from criticism, but when criticism is an obvious distortion or a gross misstatement, which is made in a manner designed to lower the respect of the judiciary and destroy public confidence, it should not be ignored. However, the power to initiate contempt is discretionary in its unsheathed exercise.” (Para 6)

Referring to the landmark precedent In Re: S. Mulgaokar [(1978) 3 SCC 339], the Court acknowledged that while the judiciary is not immune from criticism, the exercise of contempt powers is a matter of judicial discretion—not compulsion.

“…we are of the firm opinion that courts are not as fragile as flowers to wither and wilt under such ludicrous statements. We do not believe that the confidence in and credibility of the courts in the eyes of the public can be shaken by such absurd statements, though it can be said without the shadow of doubt that there is a desire and deliberate attempt to do so.” (Para 5)

Judiciary draws strength from constitutional values, not coercive power

In defending its decision to not invoke contempt powers, the Court issued a profound reaffirmation of the role of courts in a constitutional democracy. It stressed that judges are guided by values, not ego, and derive legitimacy from transparency, open proceedings, and reasoned judgments—not force.

“Judges are judicious, their valour non-violent and their wisdom springs into action when played upon by a volley of values, the least of which is personal protection.” (Para 6)

The Court underlined that institutions are accountable not through suppression of criticism, but through reasoned decisions, transparency, and public trust. It observed that decisions are made in open court, subject to scrutiny, appeal, review, and even curative jurisdiction, which are all mechanisms that ensure accountability in a democratic society.

“Surely, courts and judges have shoulders broad enough and an implicit trust that the people would perceive and recognize when criticism or critique is biased, scandalous and ill-intentioned.” (Para 6)

Judicial review is a constitutional mandate, not judicial activism

Responding to the broader climate of political criticism targeting judicial review—particularly in the context of the Waqf Amendment Act—the Court categorically stated that constitutional courts are not acting beyond their remit. Judicial review is not merely a power but a constitutional duty, expressly enshrined under Articles 32 and 226.

“Each branch of the State in a democracy, be it the legislature, executive or the judiciary, especially in a constitutional democracy, acts within the framework of the Constitution. It is the Constitution that is higher than all of us.” (Para 7)

The Court reaffirmed that the role of constitutional courts is to test the legality and constitutionality of statutes and executive actions, not on political, religious or community grounds, but strictly according to legal principles. It cautioned that to deny this role would be tantamount to rewriting or nullifying the Constitution itself.

“To deny the power of judicial review to the courts would be to rewrite and negate the Constitution, as the power of judicial review is one of the cornerstones of democracy. This power is conferred in express terms by Articles 32 and 226 by the framers of the Constitution and hinges on the system of checks and balances.” (Para 9)

Reasserting the foundational role of constitutional courts in a democracy, the Supreme Court emphasised that judicial decisions are grounded in legal reasoning, not influenced by political, religious, or communal considerations. The Court clarified that when citizens approach it seeking the exercise of judicial review, they do so to vindicate their fundamental or legal rights—not to invite the judiciary into political debates. In entertaining such pleas, the Court is not overstepping its role but performing its constitutional duty. This clear articulation serves as a reminder that judicial review is a core element of the constitutional structure—intended not to oppose the legislature or executive, but to ensure that all state action adheres to constitutional mandates.

“Judicial decisions are made in accordance with legal principles and not in keeping with political, religious or community considerations. When citizens approach the court praying for exercise of the power of judicial review, they do so in furtherance of their fundamental and/or legal rights. The court’s consideration of such a prayer is the fulfilment of its constitutional duty.” (Para 9)

Hate speech must be dealt with an ‘iron hand’

While the petition was dismissed, the Court did not leave the issue of hate speech unaddressed. In a pointed and unambiguous observation, the bench declared that any attempt to incite communal disharmony through hate speech must face resolute legal consequences.

“While we are not entertaining the present writ petition, we make it clear that any attempt to spread communal hatred or indulge in hate speech must be dealt with an iron hand. Hate speech cannot be tolerated as it leads to loss of dignity and self-worth of the targeted group members, contributes to disharmony amongst groups, and erodes tolerance and open-mindedness, which is a must for a multi-cultural society committed to the idea of equality. Any attempt to cause alienation or humiliation of the targeted group is a criminal offence and must be dealt with accordingly.” (Para 10)

Such speech, the Court affirmed, is not protected expression. Rather, it causes alienation and humiliation, making it a criminal offence that the State must deal with “accordingly” and decisively.

Conclusion: A judicious defence of Constitutional authority in divisive times

Though the Supreme Court ultimately chose not to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against Nishikant Dubey, the gravity and clarity of its reasoning left little ambiguity. The judgment stood as a powerful affirmation of judicial strength—not through punitive reaction, but through principled restraint. The Court made it clear that while it will not dignify absurd provocations with prosecution, it equally will not allow such provocations to go unanswered when they attempt to delegitimise the judiciary or inflame public sentiment through falsehood and communal rhetoric.

By firmly denouncing the baseless allegations against the Chief Justice and the institution of the Supreme Court, the bench sent an unmistakable signal: constitutional courts are neither weak nor indifferent. They are resilient, guided by law and reason, and capable of distinguishing between fair criticism and deliberate attempts to undermine the judiciary’s credibility. Crucially, the Court’s strong condemnation of hate speech—and its declaration that such divisive rhetoric must be met with an iron hand—also reflects its acute awareness of the growing threats to social cohesion and democratic integrity.

At a time when public discourse is increasingly polluted by communal polarisation and institutional mistrust, the judgment reinforced the judiciary’s dual role: as a guardian of constitutional values and as a bulwark against intolerance and authoritarianism. In choosing wisdom over outrage and clarity over confrontation, the Court not only upheld its dignity but reminded the nation that the rule of law, not the rule of noise, remains the bedrock of Indian democracy.

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A System Under Strain: India’s police and prisons in crisis shows Indian Justice Report 2025

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Waqf Amendment Act 2025: An erosion of rights under the garb of reform

The post Not Fragile, Not Silent: SC chooses principle over punishment in response to BJP MP Dubey’s outburst, reasserts role as Constitutional check appeared first on SabrangIndia.

X informed that “X has received executive orders from the Indian government requiring X to block over 8,000 accounts in India, subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment of the company’s local employees.”

X has received executive orders from the Indian government requiring X to block over 8,000 accounts in India, subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment of the company’s local employees. The orders include demands to block access in India to…

— Global Government Affairs (@GlobalAffairs) May 8, 2025

Targeted accounts include international media and prominent users

According to X, the orders require blocking access to a broad range of accounts, including those belonging to international news organisations and prominent users on the platform.  Notably, the government has not provided specific details about the alleged legal violations committed by many of these accounts.

“The orders include demands to block access in India to accounts belonging to international news organisations and prominent X users. In most cases, the Indian government has not specified which posts from an account have violated India’s local laws. For a significant number of accounts, we did not receive any evidence or justification to block the accounts,” X said.

We disagree with the Indian government’s demands: X

To comply with the government’s directives, X stated it will withhold the specified accounts exclusively in India, ensuring they remain accessible from outside the country.

“We have begun that process. However, we disagree with the Indian government’s demands. Blocking entire accounts is not only unnecessary, it amounts to censorship of existing and future content…” X said

X raises concerns over censorship and transparency

While moving forward with compliance, X strongly criticised the nature of the orders. It emphasised that blocking entire accounts amounts to pre-emptive censorship and threatens the free flow of information. X reiterated the importance of transparency in such matters and expressed frustration that legal constraints prevent it from publishing the executive orders.

“We believe that making these executive orders public is essential for transparency – lack of disclosure discourages accountability and can contribute to arbitrary decision-making. However, due to legal restrictions, we are unable to publish the executive orders at this time,” it said.

Legal action and advice to impacted users

X also revealed that it is exploring all possible legal avenues to contest the government’s directives. However, it acknowledged limitations in challenging these orders under Indian law and urged affected users to seek redress through the courts.

“Unlike users located in India, X is restricted by Indian law in its ability to bring legal challenges against these executive orders. However, we encourage all users who are impacted by these blocking orders to seek appropriate relief from the courts,” the post by X said.

We have no knowledge of the reason for the government’s arbitrary action: Maktoob

Following a government directive, X has withheld the X account of Maktoob Media in India. The platform has not provided a clear explanation, and the reasons behind this action remain undisclosed.

Aslah Kayyalakkath, founding editor of Maktoob Media, condemned the move, calling it an arbitrary act that strikes at the heart of press freedom.

“We have learned that @MaktoobMedia’s X account has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand. We have no knowledge of the reason for the government’s arbitrary action. It is an assault on press freedom,” he stated. He further added that publication’s continued commitment to independent journalism despite mounting pressure.

We have learned that @MaktoobMedia’s X account has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand. We have no knowledge of the reason for the government’s arbitrary action. It is an assault on press freedom. Maktoob pledges to continue its crucial work at a time when truth… pic.twitter.com/jjjggFt8ak

— Aslah Kayyalakkath (@aslahtweets) May 8, 2025

“Maktoob pledges to continue its crucial work at a time when truth is becoming a casualty. At this hour of crisis, we ask our allies to share links from our website to help people access our reporting. We are many, many more than them” he said

The withholding of Maktoob Media’s account comes amid a growing pattern of restrictions on digital media platforms, raising fresh concerns over freedom of expression and the silencing of critical voices.

X account of senior journalist Anuradha Bhasin suspended, TheWire also faces crackdown

The X account of senior journalist Anuradha Bhasin, Executive Editor of Kashmir Times, has been suspended. Bhasin, known for her independent and fearless reporting from Kashmir, has been a significant voice for credible journalism, often providing verified, on-the-ground information that challenges official narratives.

Along with Bhasin’s account suspension, The Wire, one of India’s few remaining independent digital news outlets, has been blocked nationwide. But later visible.

Journalist Mandeep Punia has raised concerns over the growing crackdown on independent voices. He criticised the suspension of Bhasin’s account and the blocking of The Wire‘s website, stating:
“Credible journalists are being blocked, while those spreading fake news are being promoted. The Wire’s website has been blocked, and senior journalist @AnuradhaBhasin_’s Twitter account, which consistently provided credible information, has also been suspended.”

सही ख़बरें दिखाने वालों को ब्लॉक किया जा रहा है और फेक न्यूज़ फैलाने वालों को प्रमोट. द वायर की वेबसाइट को ब्लॉक कर दिया गया है.

कश्मीर की सीनियर पत्रकार @AnuradhaBhasin_ का ट्विटर अकाउंट भी ब्लॉक कर दिया गया है, वह लगातार क्रेडिबल जानकारियां पहुँचा रही थीं. https://t.co/2sCAu4uOmR

— Mandeep Punia (@mandeeppunia1) May 9, 2025

Siddharth Varadarajan of The Wire responds to the crackdown

Siddharth Varadarajan, founder of The Wire, has condemned the actions against his platform and Bhasin’s account. He called the blocking of the website and account a clear violation of press freedom in India. Varadarajan’s statement read:

“Dear readers of The Wire, in a clear violation of the Constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press, the Government of India has blocked access to thewire.in across India.”

Dear Readers of The Wire In a clear violation of the Constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press, the Government of India has blocked access to https://t.co/BCdnZhucBj across India. + pic.twitter.com/YO0TlQkVVL

— Siddharth (@svaradarajan) May 9, 2025

After post, X’s Global Affairs account temporarily withheld in India, later restored

After the Indian government directed the blocking of approximately 8,000 accounts on X (formerly Twitter), citing national security concerns, the platform made this information public through its official global affairs handle, @GlobalAffairs. The move sparked widespread discussion and debate across the internet about the nature and transparency of such governmental block orders. In a surprising development, shortly after these discussions gained traction, the @GlobalAffairs account itself was briefly withheld in India.

Reacting to the development, ALT News co-founder and fact-checker Mohammed Zubair posted on X, “Wait! @GlobalAffairs is withheld in India.”

Wait! @GlobalAffairs is withheld in India. pic.twitter.com/RkYbgC8CkE

— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) May 9, 2025

However, the account became visible again soon after.

The account is now visible but the post is withheld now. https://t.co/rUDhqzi7UG

— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) May 9, 2025

Pakistan-based news outlets blocked on X amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions

The X (formerly Twitter) handles of prominent Pakistan-based news organisations such as Dawn and GeoNews are currently inaccessible in India, marking a continuation of the government’s broader clampdown on digital content originating from across the border. This move comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military action, and reflects a growing strategy of information control during times of national security concerns.

In a rare disclosure, X revealed the volume of content takedown requests issued by Indian authorities, shedding light on the expansive scale of censorship tied to the operation. The restrictions follow a similar move last month when, after the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels—including major broadcasters like Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, and GeoNews—accusing them of spreading provocative, communally sensitive content and disinformation targeting India and its security forces.

Disinformation surge on social media during ‘Operation Sindoor’

As Operation Sindoor unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday, platforms like X became a breeding ground for disinformation. Unverified visuals of airstrikes, exaggerated claims of retaliatory attacks, and even repurposed footage from video games were widely circulated, contributing to confusion and misinformation.

Pakistan Propaganda Alert!

A video showing a heavy MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems) barrage is being falsely shared as a real Pakistani attack on India.#PIBFactCheck

The video is from a video game and has been online for over 3 years.

It has no connection to… pic.twitter.com/VXAE93YfXs

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 9, 2025

The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) fact-check unit actively intervened, debunking several viral posts. One such claim involved a forged letter allegedly written by a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientist about a supposed BrahMos missile failure—PIB confirmed the letter was fake and that no such scientist exists.

Fake Letter Alert

A letter undersigned by scientist AS Kumar from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is being circulated online alleging a failure in BrahMos missile components.#PIBFactCheck

The letter is fake

@DRDO_India has not issued any… pic.twitter.com/Spd2Hy0QTi

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 7, 2025

In another instance, old footage of a crashed aircraft was falsely linked to a recent Pakistani strike, alleging the downing of an Indian Rafale jet near Bahawalpur.

Propaganda Alert!

Beware of old images shared by pro-Pakistan handles in the present context!

An #old image showing a crashed aircraft is being circulated with the claim that Pakistan recently shot down an Indian Rafale jet near Bahawalpur during the ongoing #OperationSindoor… pic.twitter.com/LdkJ1JYuH0

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 7, 2025

PIB verified that the footage was outdated and the claim baseless.

Related:

Hate Watch: Twitter suspends Kreately Media’s account after CJP complaints

The curious case of Twitter suspensions

Will Twitter fly away from India soon?

The post Following executive order from government, X asked to block 8000 accounts in India appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Even though some persons may be committed to peace in normal times, when they suffer a big person tragedy in the form of violence against a family member they can at least temporarily start speaking more in terms of anger and revenge. This is why it is important why we all have to learn so much from the family of naval officer Lt Narwal who was among those who died in the terror attack of Pahalgam. Soon after the tragedy his family somehow found the strength to organize a blood donation camp on the birthday of Lt Narwal on May 1.

No one could possibly have suffered greater distress and shock than his newly married wife Himanshi (the couple were married just a week back and were on a honeymoon trip to Jammu and Kashmir when the terrorists struck). Yet she has been speaking only in terms of peace. Speaking at the blood donation camp she appealed to people not to spread hatred against anyone. She urged the people not to go against Muslims and Kashmiris. She said, “We just want peace. No doubt we desire justice, the government must take steps against specifically those who did us wrong.” (See report in The Times of India, May 2 by Bhavya Narang titled ‘Eschew hate, pray for Lt Narwal, says his wife’).

People from all over the country who had gathered at this camp organised in Karnal to donate their blood to save human lives, were moved to tears by the words and gestures of various family members of Lt Narwal, their grace and dignity, their deep concern for peace and harmony even in the middle of great personal loss. All people committed to peace salute them and feel inspired by them. Humanity will win despite all obstacles if there are more people like them. They provide a highly inspiring example of true commitment to real patriotism and national unity.

Another report in the same issue of The Times of India also deserves our attention. This report titled ‘Despite war clouds, life remains calm in Punjab border villages’ has been filed by Yudhvir Rana from some border villages located on the India side of the border of India and Pakistan in Tarn Taran area. This report tells us about farmers and villagers going about their daily chores in relatively tension-free conditions.

To quote from this report, “The villagers expressed frustration at the portrayal of their region as a powder keg. ‘We only hear about this so-called ‘tension’ from our relatives who call us after watching the news, said Manjinder Singh, a farmer from Naushera Dhalla. “They think war is about to break out, but here we are, going about our daily chores.” In this village, where a gurudwara and temple co-exist in a single complex, people say that the only extra instruction they have received is to ensure timely harvesting of wheat in some fields, probably to maintain clearer visibility.

This provides a fine example of the ability of common people to maintain calm and avoid unnecessary panic, a tendency that can be contrasted by the efforts of some other kinds of persons to deliberately inflate tensions.

Here attention may be drawn also to an article written by Lt Gen Harwant Singh (Retd) published in The Tribune, May 2 titled ‘Avoid strike against Pakistan, It could escalate into war.” While condemning Pakistan’s numerous attempts to inflict ‘a thousand cuts’ on India using terror attacks, the learned writer has cautioned, “ Any enhanced action by India across the border has its own implications, with the possibility of an escalation of the conflict into a war-like situation or, may be, war itself. Given the situation, India’s better option is to further secure its borders with Pakistan and be prepared to effectively deal with any mischief by Pakistan across the IB or the LOC.”

Another voice that needs to be heard more widely is that of Julio Ribeiro, the former police chief who played a very important role in defeating terrorist violence in Punjab in the past. In an article titled ‘Win over locals to combat terror’, published in The Tribune dated May 2, he has written, “Local residents are central and crucial to policing even in normal times. In terrorism-affected states, they spell the difference between life and death…The importance of treating locals with the respect and dignity which every human being expects and entitled to is highlighted during times of terror activities. When they feel that they are part and parcel of the government’s fight against terrorism, they will part with the crucial information needed to plan defensive measures.”

Julio Ribeiro has advised the government strongly against steps like demolishing the houses of suspected terrorists. Instead he has stated, “What it urgently needs is to replace the muscular philosophy of policing with the age-old conclusion of experts that the only way to end terrorism is to win the hearts and minds of the community to which the terrorists belong.”

(The author is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Protecting Earth for Children, Man over Machine, A Day in 2071 and When the Two Streams Met)

Related:

Terrorism’s Shadow: Rising hatred against Indian Muslims after Pahalgam terror attack

Homes Destroyed, Mass Detentions Following Pahalgam Attack

The post Pahalgam: Voices of peace and reason in times of war appeared first on SabrangIndia.