Of all the topics that big brands should discuss on social media, there are some that demand extreme vigilance and sagacity, as they have the potential to touch raw nerves everywhere because of how sensitive they are. Kashmir is one such topic that everyone has strong opinions about, and Hyundai decided to mess with that very topic, to the dismay of their communication team in hindsight.

via GIPHY

If you're wondering what exactly is the issue, the official handle of Hyundai Pakistan ended up tweeting this.

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

2) Hyundai returned to Pakistan in 2017 by partnering with Nishat Mills, a subsidiary of Nishat Group.

Link: https://t.co/K3WfaqPcY7

And now, official social media accounts of 'Hyundai Pakistan' are asking for freedom of Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/J3TbSyaPfI

— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) February 6, 2022

After huge backlash as expected, there have been attempts at their end for damage control, but too little too late.

5) Update: Kia Motors Crossroads showroom in Pakistan also tweeted for the freedom of Kashmir.

And, just now they deleted the tweet.

Link of deleted tweet: https://t.co/ThhQLviNne pic.twitter.com/3CPXS1KxR9

— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) February 6, 2022

Indians on Twitter have not taken this lightly, and are fuming. They are not ready to take this lying down, and have already decided to boycott the brand. The hashtag #boycotthyundai has taken over Twitter, and the number of tweets is only increasing by the hour.

Here are some of the angry reactions:

#BoycottHyundai I've made all my mind to book Brand new alcazar tomorrow and i was about to make token payment today, you can check the quotation here, but now I need to think again,this biased view is not acceptable. pic.twitter.com/7dofiDS5x5

— Nitesh Kumar Agrawal (@caniteshji) February 6, 2022

Hyundai communication disaster is a good learning experience for corporate world to not support Pakistani terrorism. Bad for business. @HyundaiIndia needs to ask @Hyundai_Global to issue apology and take stringent action against @PakistanHyundai. Or people will #BoycottHyundai.

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) February 6, 2022

I am amused that this #BoycottHyundai campaign is being carried out by the citizens whereas it should be GOI’s responsibility to ensure that every MNC signs an agreement that Kashmir is integral to India before being allowed to do any business in India. @narendramodi @nsitharaman

— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) February 7, 2022

We have sacrificed Brave Soldiers and innocent unarmed Civilians … Their sacrifice is more precious to us Indians

Say NO to खटारा

Be Indian Buy Indian #BoycottHyundai

Jai Hind

— KJS DHILLON (@Tiny_Dhillon) February 7, 2022

I own Hyundai Creta, since their apology was just an eye wash. I have decided to use this car for removing garbage at home. Anyways creta is a petrol guzzler #BoycottHyundai

— Pratiba Kaul (@pratiba_sk) February 7, 2022

While Hyundai tried to apologize for the blunder using a statement, that only seemed to make matters worse. Here is the statement.

Official Statement from Hyundai Motor India Ltd.#Hyundai #HyundaiIndia pic.twitter.com/dDsdFXbaOd

— Hyundai India (@HyundaiIndia) February 6, 2022

This further angered Indians on Twitter, who were having none of it. Here are some responses to that apology.

No @HyundaiIndia ! This statement does not serve any purpose!!! Be clear and apologise for @PakistanHyundai tweet and make them apologise too or else we Indians shall continue to #BoycottHyundai ! You decide! @Hyundai_Global https://t.co/CCX7oEYOK9

— richa anirudh (@richaanirudh) February 6, 2022

In my personal capacity and with limited reach, I request everyone not to buy a #Hyundai vehicle.

First time supporting a boycott call. Lets #BoycottHyundai. They have no respect for our national sentiments. The half-hearted statement below tells that they have no remorse also. https://t.co/RziyiBeJo7

— Arun Bothra (@arunbothra) February 7, 2022

. @HyundaiIndia This is neither apology nor regret but a joke.@Hyundai_Global MUST apologise & clarify It’s stand on Kashmir otherwise be ready to face the music of 140 Cr Patriot Indians.
You have 24 Hrs ..Period !
Remember,Kashmir is in our blood#BoycottHyundai https://t.co/yiZE7LtMaw

— Major Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) February 6, 2022

Looks like this is going to be a PR nightmare for the brand, and they have already started seeing the impact. The Hyundai stock has already plummeted in the share market, and people seem to have decided never to buy their cars till a proper apology is issued.

#BoycottHyundai
Here's the proof of Indians strength. pic.twitter.com/1gpmJrczaf

— Anandvivek (@CitizenOfIndia6) February 7, 2022

Never Mess with Indians
Hit them Where it hurts #BoycottHyundai pic.twitter.com/MtzsKSKiIQ

— The Random Indian (@randm_indianguy) February 7, 2022

Clearly, this has proved to be a self-goal for the brand. What are your thoughts? Please let us know in the comments section.

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