Hyundai India Under Fire Over Pakistan Wing's Post On Kashmir

New Delhi: Hyundai is facing massive backlash in India after the carmakers Pakistan arm released a controversial post on its official Twitter and Facebook account, announcing 'solidarity with Kashmir.'

This did not go down well with the people in India with several social media users calling for mass boycotts or canceling bookings of the car manufacturer.

Social media users have been tagging both Hyundai India and the Korean company's global twitter handle, along with the car maker's Pakistan handle.

Leaders of the ruling BJP and the VHP reacted by calling for boycotts of Hyundai India via their verified Twitter handles. Taglines such as 'Kashmir Hamara Hi Rahega' (Kashmir will remain ours) were also added.

"Let us remember the sacrifices of our Kashmiri brothers and stand in support as they struggle for freedom," Hyundai Pakistan's post stated on February 5. This post has now been deleted and Hyundai India has now locked its Twitter handle amidst massive crossfire.

Hyundai India's spokesperson said that the company had "zero tolerance" to such statements. 

The spokesperson added that the unsolicited social media post linking Hyundai Motor India is offending their unparalleled commitment and service.

Furthermore, the spokesperson condemned this statement by saying that the company has zero tolerance policy towards such insensitive communication.

Experts from the industry have said that the brands should be careful while dealing with sensitive political or cultural issues. The failure to do so would result in drawing massive backlash.

Sandeep Goyal, managing director of ad agency Rediffusion, said that political comments regarding sensitive issues should be avoided as they often do more damage than good.

He also added that Hyundai Pakistan should never have posted it in the first place and should have shown more restraint.

Lloyd Mathias, a business strategist, who works closely with some of India's largest corporate brands, has said that brands need to stay sensitive on key issues and respect public sentiment.

"This is absolutely ridiculous from a global brand like Hyundai and completely unjustified," said Mathias.

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