Stand firmly for our strong ethos of respecting nationalism: Hyundai India facing backlash over Kashmir post

The controversy was triggered after a Twitter handle named @hyundaiPakistanOfficial posted, "Let us remember the sacrifices of our Kashmiri brothers and stand in support as they struggle for freedom."

Slamming the firm, several netizens called for mass boycott cancelling bookings of Hyundai cars.

Facing the public ire, the company posted on Twitter, "Hyundai Motor India has been committed to the Indian market for more than 25 years now and we stand firmly for our 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 second home to the Hyundai brand and we have (a) zero tolerance policy towards insensitive communication and we strongly condemn any such view," it added.

"As part of our commitment to India, we will continue our efforts towards the betterment of the country as well as its citizens," it further said.

Slamming Hyundai, Author-actor Suhel Seth tweeted, "If @HyundaiIndia had even half a brain, instead of blocking people they would get their goddamn CEO to issue a statement and disown that Pakistani jerk. Simple. But then as I said half a brain!"

Demanding an apology from the company, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted, "Hi Hyundai. So many wishy-washy words not needed. All you need to say is - we are unequivocally sorry. Rest is all unnecessary."