Why are big brands apologizing to Indian people?
Several major companies have joined the chorus in issuing public apologies to Indian people over controversial posts on Kashmir. Recently, Pakistan-based social media accounts of companies such as Domino's and Hyundai had made posts on the so-called Kashmir Solidarity Day. The posts triggered outrage among Indians and invited a strong reaction from the Indian government.
How did the row begin?
Pakistan-based business arms of several companies had posted Kashmir-related messages on February 5. The day is an annual national holiday in the neighboring country and is meant to show support for the separatist movement in Jammu and Kashmir. "Let us remember the sacrifice of our Kashmiri brothers and stand in support as they continue to struggle for freedom," one of the posts read.
Boycott calls on Twitter
Indians expressed offense on Twitter, posting tens of thousands of messages calling for the companies' boycott. Hyundai, the South Korean carmaker which is a household name in India, was the first company to come under fire over the controversy. Soon after, similar posts from Domino's, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Pizza Hut, Maruti Suzuki, Honda Motor, and other companies also came to light.
'A country we have called home'
On Tuesday, Domino's India apologized for "the unsolicited social media post published...outside the country." "This is the country we have called our home for the last 25 years, and we stand here to protect its legacy forever. We respect and honour everything the country has to offer," the fast food brand said in a statement posted on Twitter.
Here is the statement from Domino's
KFC, Honda also come up with statements
KFC, the United States-based fast food chain, tweeted, "We deeply apologize for a post that was published on some KFC social media channels outside the country. We honour and respect India, and remain steadfast in our commitment to serving all Indians with pride (sic)." Honda India also reportedly issued a statement saying, "Any hurt caused to this effect is regretted."
How did the government react?
Meanwhile, the government has expressed "strong displeasure" over the posts on Kashmir. On Tuesday, South Korea's Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong dialed his Indian counterpart, S Jaishankar, to convey regret over posts from Hyundai. Earlier, India had summoned the South Korean envoy over the issue. "It was highlighted that this matter concerned India's territorial integrity on which there could be no compromise," officials said.
