The states in North-east India namely Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam among others are as much a part of the country as any other state. However, we often see how people hailing from these places are subjected to discrimination for reasons unknown.
Recently, e-commerce giant Flipkart found itself in a soup when one of its comments indicated that Nagaland is a foreign place, outside India.
It all happened when a resident from Nagaland inquired why they aren’t delivering to the North-eastern state.
To which, the company responded from their official Facebook handle that they don’t provide their services outside India, reported CNBC.
Even though the company deleted its controversial statement, several people by then had already taken screenshots of their insensitive comment. It soon made it to social media and irked many online.
Here’s how people reacted:
Although not with Flipkart, Even I had this experience once.
Nagaland is India #Flipkart . pic.twitter.com/WDS7kodF94
— Rupin Sharma IPS (@rupin1992) October 8, 2020
Hello @Flipkart is this true ? If true then Don’t u know that Nagaland is not outside India ! Shocking really pic.twitter.com/fRgymptLKw
— Pradyot_Tripura (@PradyotManikya) October 8, 2020
Wow! Flipkart has granted independence to Nagaland.. pic.twitter.com/uCbgddtJTm
— Rajeev Bhattacharyya (@rajkbhat) October 8, 2020
Wow, as per @Flipkart Nagaland is not in India
and we buy from Flipkart thinking its an Indian company@hmoindia pic.twitter.com/vMcMsUVPDm
— Gaurav Pradhan 🇮🇳 (@OfficeOfDGP) October 8, 2020
Did #Flipkart already declared Independence for the Naga's ??? https://t.co/AvRQJC0h5r
— the_introvert_banker🌻 (@Achet_Lkr) October 8, 2020
This’s not a surprise coming from @Flipkart
Every time I call their customer care, I’ve 2 request/argue abt speaking in English not Hindi, even though I choose d language beforehand!— 𝓝𝓪𝔂𝓪𝓷🍃🎾🐶 (@njb_moon) October 8, 2020
I suppose flipkart assumed Nagaland is near to England.
— Rajneesh Thekan (@RajneeshThekan) October 8, 2020
Being one the largest e-commerce it’s a shame. It’s a FlopKart now.
— Ikato Sumi (@SumiIkato) October 9, 2020
A woman also got creative and slammed the reputed company for being so arrogant and careless.
Commenting on the matter, noted Naga musician Alobo Naga said to The Indian Express:
“Unfortunately this incident highlights how little people are aware of northeastern state…Many are not aware where Nagaland is, and people can’t be blamed totally, but I think the education system at large can be held responsible for such ignorance. It’s annoying and insulting for sure. Can you imagine the same kind of statement coming in reply to a Bihari person saying Bihar is not in India?” he added.
Thank you @flipkart for predicting our future & giving us freedom too soon….Nagaland is a new country now according to them 😊 #Kuknalim
Posted by Alobo Naga on Thursday, October 8, 2020
However, soon after attracting backlash from people online, the company was quick to mend its ways and release a public apology. They also resumed operations in the state.
To those who were questioning me ! Here is the @Flipkart reply ! Don’t shoot the messenger 💪 Nagaland and NE is India even if your heart may not think so pic.twitter.com/qocNMXqH3N
— Pradyot_Tripura (@PradyotManikya) October 8, 2020
Well, looks like the company needs to go through the Indian map again. What do you think of this incident? Tell us.