After Hyundai, KFC and Pizza Hut under scrutiny for 'Kashmir solidarity day' posts

International brands KFC and Pizza Hut are at the receiving end of Twitter users from India after the brand’s Pakistani social media pages were accused of posting ‘propagandist’ messages regarding Kashmir from their handles.

February 5 is observed as ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ in Pakistan, to show solidarity with the separatist elements working on the Indian side of Kashmir.

Indian digital-savvy population couldn’t help but notice tweets supporting the POK and separatist elements coming from international brands. While KFC’s post was from 2021, Pizza Hut had posted a similar message this year. 

Both the brands have now deleted their respective posts. KFC also issued a statement on the matter, however, there has been no statement from Pizza Hut until the timing of filing this story. 

We deeply apologize for a post that was published on some KFC social media channels outside the country. We honour and respect India, and remain steadfast in our commitment to serving all Indians with pride.

— KFC India (@KFC_India) February 7, 2022

The posts in question: 

This comes a day after #BanHyundai started trending on Indian Twitter after Hyundai Pakistan and Kia Pakistan handles posts on the topic went viral. Hyundai has also issued an apology, however many including FADA (Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations) were quick to dismiss it. The organisation has also called for the Ministry of Heavy Industries to look into the matter and ask for clarifications. 

We #Dealers are shocked that both @Hyundai_Global and @Kia_Worldwide showed their solidarity by supporting the illegal movement.

Both companies should immediately repeal all the tweets. #Kashmir is an integral part of India and will continue till eternity

????????JAI HIND ???????? https://t.co/cSXjbavVPT

— Vinkesh Gulati ???????? (@VinkeshGulati) February 7, 2022

Netizens have claimed that these messages coming from international brands for the Pakistani market are a part of propaganda against India and are calling for a ban on these brands. Many have since claimed to uninstall the apps from the aforementioned brands, and are also giving unfavourable reviews on app stores.

I was a die hard fan of kfc. But not more than our country. @KFC_India be indian buy Indian #BoycottKFC pic.twitter.com/zIHwon6oAR

— Vikram Rana (@Vikramranachd) February 7, 2022

Apology rejected .
We need apology letter , how can you post something like this ? Kashmir is an integral part of India. ????????????

It's time to wrap up your business from india , wait and watch. #BoycottKFC #KFC#KashmirSolidarityWithIndia pic.twitter.com/m5lNlrtlf8

— ????????Vini7???????????? (@VImvinit007) February 7, 2022

Many have also advised brands to stay away from important and delicate geopolitical matter of Kashmir, and all other similar ones in future too.

Multinational corporations are meant for Business Promotion, Economic growth & not for indulging in political affairs of a country .@KFC_ES views on our country internal affair is not only derogatory but is violation of our National laws and integrity. 1/2@PMOIndia #BoycottKFC pic.twitter.com/G3Av3T4Xpb

— Wajahat Farooq Bhat (@Wajahatfarooqbt) February 7, 2022

Hello #KFC !
I hope you don't forget that K in KFC stands for #Kentucky and not #Karanchi .

And for your poor #GK, plz note that even #UttarPradesh in India has more population than entire #Pakistan.#BoycottKFC pic.twitter.com/pjqMFF7PUr

— Suraj Singh Parihar (@SurajSinghIPS) February 7, 2022

Multinational companies under fire as they wade into geopolitics. After Hyundai, KFC in soup as it's Pakistani arm seen supporting Islamabad's narrative. Old FB post of KFC Pak deleted, Indian Arm apologises. https://t.co/Cjd0ibaOYn pic.twitter.com/qnVJU9Tzuw

— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 7, 2022

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