#BoycottHyundai: Hyundai Pak stirs controversy on Kashmir with #KashmirSolidarityDay, releases 'non-apology' statement

On February 5, Hyundai Pakistan Official (@PakistanHyundai) took to its social media site and wrote, "Let us remember the sacrifices of our Kashmiri brothers and stand in support as they continue to struggle for freedom," with a picture of a boat in Dal lake and the word ‘Kashmir’ juxtaposed with a barbed wire. Hyundai Pakistan also posted the same on its Facebook page.

 

 

It should be noted that Pakistan observes February 5, as "Kashmir Solidarity Day." It has also declared a holiday on February 5.

 

When some Indian people notice the controversial post, they began questioning Hyundai India about whether they endorse the tweet of Hyundai Pakistan, they further asked Hyundai India to tweet in support of India. Several social media users also tagged the Prime Minister's office and the Ministry of External Affairs seeking stringent action against the South Korean automotive manufacturer. However, instead of supporting India, Hyundai India just ignored these tweets and started blocking Indian people who were tagging them and asking them about their stand. Getting irked by Hyundai India arrogance, users started trending #BoycottHyundai on social media, expressing their anger against the unprofessional, shameful and disgusting social media posts of Hyundai.

 

 

 

After seeing that #BoycottHyundai is gaining momentum on social media, Hyundai in pressure released the statement regarding the matter. Hyundai India is the 2nd largest car manufacturer in India with a 16% market share. It has close to $6 billion in turnover in India. It sells about 5 lakh cars in India each year and exports another 1.3 lakh.Meanwhile, it sells hardly 2 lakh cars a year in Pakistan.

 

 

In the statement, it stated that it "stands firmly for its "strong ethos of respecting nationalism.". "The unsolicited social media post linking Hyundai Motor India is offending our unparalleled commitment and service to this great country. India is the second home to the Hyundai brand and we have a zero-tolerance policy towards insensitive communication and we strongly condemn any such view," the statement read.

 

At this point, it needs to be pointed out that Hyundai India has only clarified the Hyundai Pakistan tweet, it has not 'apologized' for interfering in India’s geopolitical affairs.

 

 

Apart from Hyundai, its sister-company Kia Motors Corporation Pakistan also shared a similar post on social media. It has tweeted in support of so-called Kashmir Day and claimed that it stands for the freedom of Kashmir. Following this Social media users questioned the Indian counterpart as well as the parent company whether they endorse the views of the Pakistani dealer.

 

However, Kia has not yet responded to the controversy.

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