Feb 9, 2022: According to a report by Reuters, global automaker Toyota Motor and fast food chain Domino’s Pizza are among half a dozen companies that have apologised for social media posts from their Pakistani partners expressing support for Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The apology comes after social media posts from Pakistani partners of South Korean car maker Hyundai, voiced support for the independence and right to self determination struggles experienced by Kashmiris living in IIOJK.

This caused an uproar on major social media platforms after the Indian public called for boycott of products from Hyundai. Several other companies including; Japan’s Suzuki Motor, majority owner of India’s biggest carmaker Maruti Suzuki, Honda Motor and Isuzu Motor, South Korea’s Kia Motors and Yum! Brands’ KFC also issued apologies as criticism grew on Twitter over the pro Kashmir independence social media posts.

The situation escalated when several companies posted messages on social media to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day, commemorated annually by Pakistan on February 5 to honour the sacrifices of Kashmiris struggling for self-determination.

The statement issued by Toyota apologized for the Twitter posts and said that any political statements made by its dealers or other partners were not authorised and do not reflect its corporate stance.

“We regret any hurt this may have caused,” the company said, adding it was putting in place measures to prevent the misuse of its brand and a recurrence of such situations.

Suzuki issued a similar apology, adding it does not align with any political or religious groups. The most severe backlash however, was faced by Hyundai with dozens in India saying they would cancel their car orders.

Even though the company has since apologized and distanced itself from the Pakistani partner, dozens of members of the youth wing of India’s opposition Congress party gathered outside one of Hyundai’s showrooms in the western city of Ahmedabad in protest.

Some held banners saying “Boycott Hyundai” and demanded the company tweet that Kashmir is an integral part of India.

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