Now, Dominos, KIA apologise for Kashmir post amid social media storm
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South Korean foreign minister said it 'regretted the offence' caused to the people and government of India by the social media post.
After Hyundai Motors, KFC, Pizza Hut and KIA created a firestorm on social media over the Kashmir tweet, Dominos joined the others to issue an apology for the "unsolicited social media post published on Domino's social media handles outside the country".
"We regret and apologise," the fast-food multinational said in a tweet, adding,"we honour and respect India and remain deeply committed to serving our customers and communities."
This is the country we have called our home for the last 25 years, and we stand here to protect its legacy forever. We respect and honour everything the country has to offer. pic.twitter.com/8II6XuLxb0
— dominos_india (@dominos_india) February 8, 2022
However, the damage was done as several users hit out against the company on social media.
@dominos answer for your tweet on Kashmir is in the pictures… no more dominos for this life time… pic.twitter.com/iQf9jFpBei
— Dial@Maximus (@Amitshivammehta) February 8, 2022
@MfcPartha I think people have to take a stand . Boycott Hyundai, Kia, Pizza Hut, KFC, Dominos and all those who tweet on Kashmir from Pakistan handles . It's the company's responsibility to take action at the earliest and apologize. They think they can get away with this easily https://t.co/Mg733ID0OR
— Sambeet Mohapatra (@Sambeet_M) February 8, 2022
Dear @HyundaiIndia, @KFC_India, @dominos_india, @mcdonaldsindia, @PizzaHutIN, @KiaInd, @Maruti_Corp, @SubwayIndia
— 𝓙𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓼𝓱 𝓢𝓲𝓼𝓸𝓭𝓲𝔂𝓪 𝓙𝓪𝓲𝓷 (@sisodiyaJiteshP) February 9, 2022
Jammu & Kashmir was, is and shall forever remain an integral part of Hindustan. This the tweet. Please accept and tweet 🙏🏼
KIA also issued an apology over Pakistan's Kashmir solidarity day tweet saying that it has "taken note of unauthorised social media posts made by independently-owned dealer based outside the country" without naming Pakistan.
Watch: Is Pakistan pushing corporates to peddle its anti-India agenda?
"We deeply regret the offence caused by this unofficial social media activity," it said.
Kia India Statement: pic.twitter.com/FKiUI2PXxt
— Kia India (@KiaInd) February 8, 2022
Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation also regretted "the hurt to sentiments" from "our dealers or business associates".
Message from Suzuki Motor Corporation pic.twitter.com/zI05ImcGUU
— Suzuki Motorcycle India (@suzuki2wheelers) February 8, 2022
On Tuesday, the South Korean foreign minister said it "regretted the offence" caused to the people and government of India by the social media post.
India had summoned the South Korean envoy to express "strong displeasure" over the "unacceptable" post.
After speaking to the South Korean foreign minister, EAM Jaishankar tweeted saying: "Received a call from ROK FM Chung Eui-yong today. Discussed bilateral and multilateral issues as also the Hyundai matter."
The MEA said Hyundai Motors had conveyed its "deep regret" to the people of India while asserting that it does not comment on political or religious issues.
(With inputs from Agencies)