Hyundai, the leading South Korean manufacturer, is facing backlash in India after Hyundai Pakistan expressed solidarity with Kashmir in a recent post.
Hyundai Pakistan, on 5th February, had expressed solidarity with the people of IIOJK on Kashmir Solidarity Day. The post on their Facebook and Twitter account read: “Let us remember the sacrifices of our Kashmiri brothers and stand in support as they continue to struggle for freedom. #HyundaiPakistan #KashmirSolidarityDay”.
The post did not go well with Indian social media users as trends of ‘#BoycottHyundai’ in India made the rounds. Calls are being made to boycott the South Korean company and that nation should not buy their products. Several people tagged Hyundai India on the post urging them to comment on the post. According to reports, many people had canceled their bookings for the Hyundai vehicles. The issue is still trending on Indian social media. Indian netizens accuse Hyundai of promoting terrorism. According to Indian netizens, the post of Hyundai Pakistan is an attack on the sovereignty of India.
Hyundai supports TERRORISM
Hyundai supports stone pelters
Hyundai supports terror state Pak
Hyundai is against sovereignty of our nation.
Hyundai is Anti-IndiaRetweet if you agree #BoycottHyundai @Hyundai_Global @HyundaiIndia pic.twitter.com/OGagzS3gbd
— Major Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) February 7, 2022
Hyundai in Pakistan is asking for freedom of Kashmir.
Hyundai Pakistan also posted them same on its Facebook page. Link: https://t.co/ZOBDggsdW0 pic.twitter.com/Kmmk2Rc1wu
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) February 6, 2022
Read more: Rahul Gandhi says India made “huge strategic mistake” in Kashmir
Hyundai India issues a statement
The posts were later removed following the backlash. However, Hyundai India also released a statement on the issue. Hyundai India released a statement 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 a second home to the Hyundai brand and we have a zero-tolerance policy towards insensitive communication and we strongly condemn any such view. As part of our commitment to India, we will continue our efforts towards the betterment of the country as well as its citizens,” the statement read further.
This statement from @HyundaiIndia is further insulting
Hyundai cannot be allowed to run business in India after openly supporting terrorists
There should be an investigation against @Hyundai_Global for supporting and funding terror activities#BoycottHyundai https://t.co/1U8wzdWbpA
— Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) February 7, 2022
Praying for the liberation of @Hyundai_Global from the Automobile sector. Glad I sold my Hyundai car back to Hyundai in December 2021. Shameful immature lies tweeted by Hyundai Pakistan calls for action against the pro-terror employees who did it. Does Hyundai support terrorism? pic.twitter.com/IAGNt2Gh1E
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) February 6, 2022
Hyundai India is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Company of South Korea. Whereas, Hyundai Pakistan is a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Company and Nishat Group. Pakistani group is the authorized assembler and manufacturer of Hyundai automobiles in Pakistan.