Globel Multinational firms have come under the radar of the Indian consumer for their post over Kashmir Solidarity Day observed by Pakistan on 5th February, by posting on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Many multinational companies such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Hyundai, Osaka, Isuzu, Bosch, Kia motors, Dominos had posted support to the movement, quoting it as ‘people’s struggle for freedom’.
KFC: The fast-food restaurant company took to its social media showing its support to the solidarity day observed by Pakistan. “You never left our thoughts, and we hope that the coming years bring peace to you. Their cravings for freedom are heartfelt,” the Pakistan franchise’s post read. Following the backlash, KFC India then apologised for the post and asserted the Indian customers’ importance.
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.
— KFC India (@KFC_India) February 7, 2022
Pizza Hurt
Similarly, an Instagram post from the verified account of ‘Pizzahutpak’ had said, ‘We stand with you. Kashmir Solidarity Day. Pizza Hut issued a statement after facing backlash over the Instagram post by its official handle in Pakistan.
Hyundai: Automaker Hyundai was the first company to face backlash for its post. The firm’s dealer in Pakistan had tweeted on occasion and asserted the country’s support for the people of Kashmir. Several Indians took to social media, calling for the firm’s boycott and promoting home growth brands such as Tata Motors and Mahindra and Mundra. The y Hyundai Motors India Ltd later issued a statement claiming that the company firmly kept a ‘zero-tolerance policy’ towards any insensitive comments or remark disparaging any nation and reiterated its commitment to the Indian market.
Hyundai Motor statement:#Hyundai #HyundaiIndia pic.twitter.com/Ir5JzjS2XP
— Hyundai India (@HyundaiIndia) February 8, 2022
Kia Motors: A tweet by the Twitter handle of @KiaCrossroads spoke about the ‘freedom of Kashmir’ and its people. However, the tweet has now been taken down, according to the reports.
Companies who posted against India:
1 KFC @KFC_India
2 PizzaHut @PizzaHutIN
3 Hyundai @HyundaiIndia
4 Osaka @BatteriesOsaka
5 Isuzu @IsuzuIndia
6 Bosch @boschindia
7 Atlas @atlashondapk
8 Kia Motors @KiaInd
9 Dominos @dominos_indiaYou all can go & do business only in Pakistan
— Gaurav Mishra 🇮🇳 (@IamGmishra) February 8, 2022
Dominos: The fast-food chain put itself in the boycotting position by supporting the neighbouring countries movement. “The nation is one in support of our beloved Kashmiris, may they live as a sovereign nation soon- Let’s come together and stand for Kashmir,” the post read , along with an image showcasing the company’s logo.
Nation Auto Dealer’s Body condemns post -Federation of Automobiles Dealers Associations to condemn the posts and tweets by the global companies. It urged the centre and Society of Indian Automobiles Manufacturers to take cognisance of the matter.
FADA’s official statement on Hyundai Pakistan & Kia Pakistan social media post on #Kashmir @HyundaiIndia @Hyundai_Global @KiaInd @Kia_Worldwide pic.twitter.com/0U1kIT9FdD
— FADA (@FADA_India) February 7, 2022
People in India are boycotting these big multinational brands and trying to promote the Indian brand.
Neither the product is good nor the thinking is good.#BycottHyundai Creta, #BoycottKiaMotors #HyundaiWithTerrorist #HyundaiPakistan pic.twitter.com/X5MSiMJhBI
— Anveshka Das (@AnveshkaD) February 7, 2022
Why we Indians permit these viruses to survive on our mother land..? I request Indian authorities to BAN such foreign sick company/ community who cheat’s India…. #boycottdominos pic.twitter.com/5p5LFqgqKp
— Rajnish Varshney (@Rajnish16V) February 8, 2022
#Kia Sonet advance booking canceled. #BoycottHyundai #BoycottKiaMotors pic.twitter.com/Gea2jE7n2X
— Ashish Jaiswal (@Ashish_kj) February 6, 2022
