Flipkart apologises after its official handle tells customer Nagaland is outside India
The e-commerce giant deleted the controversial reply to a comment, but by then many had taken screenshots that were widely shared on social media and prompted outrage.
A faux pas by an employee handling e-retail website Flipkart’s social media handle sparked outrage after a customer in Nagaland was told that a service couldn’t be provided since the location was “outside India”.
As the e-commerce company advertised its Big Billion sale, one customer from Kohima asked on Facebook why the website was no longer delivering items in the state. “We still didn’t get independence and we are still a part of India. Treat all states equally areeh!,” the user said in a comment.
In its reply, the Flipkart handle replied regretting the non-delivery of orders. “Sorry to hear that. We appreciate your interest in shopping with us. However, sellers do not provide our services outside India,” the reply said.
The e-commerce giant later deleted the reply, but by then many had taken screenshots that were widely shared on social media.
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
Many said this sort of discrimination and lack of awareness wasn’t new or surprising. The incident also caused many to share jokes.
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
Don’t mistake it for ignorance on part of #flipkart , but derisive arrogance often shown towards the people of #NortheastIndia. When time comes the same corporates will be more than assertive claiming #Nagaland is a part of India/(an) market, with or without the Naga’s consent. pic.twitter.com/1YqKmNZVKX
— kaustubh (@kaustubhdeka) October 8, 2020
“Imagine a reputed e-commerce company like Flipkart supposed to be run by some of the brightest minds of the country and abroad displaying such heights of ignorance,” one user pointed out.
Noted Naga musician Alobo Naga joked, “Thank you @flipkart for predicting our future & giving us freedom too soon….Nagaland is a new country now according to them.”
Commenting on the photo, Nagaland’s Director General of Police for Borders Affairs Rupin Sharma wrote: “Although not with Flipkart, Even I had this experience once. Nagaland is India #Flipkart.”
He later “politely” invited all to come and witness Nagaland’s famous Hornbill Festival.
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
Let me put it a bit more politely and positively,
Dear @Flipkart, please do visit the #Hornbill Festival in Nagaland to see for yourself that Nagaland is India. https://t.co/DWmcHLFaRH
— Rupin Sharma IPS (@rupin1992) October 8, 2020
Alobo said, “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.”
He also said the original response was “shameful”.
“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 said.
Hekani Jakhalu, who runs a youth-based organisation, said, “It’s one thing to not know one place town or city in the country as India is such a vast place. But to not know a state altogether, it’s clearly a problem of lack of knowledge at a larger scale”.
“I hope many people from different parts of the country can be aware of what’s happening with this incident and be sensitive towards us, and create a conversation to be educated more about this part of India,” she said.
Following the outrage, the e-commerce giant posted an apology for what it said was an inadvertent comment.
“We are extremely sorry about the inadvertent error earlier. We strive to ensure serviceability across the nation, including regions in Nagaland. We are happy to connect with you and provide currently available options…” Flipkart posted.
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
This isn’t the first time, Flipkart has been embroiled in a controversy in the state. In July, the company faced criticism for a product that was wrongly described as traditional attire from the state.
We have reached out to Flipkart for a comment and the copy will be updated when they respond.
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