Maharashtra BJP Leader Kirit Somaiya has filed an FIR against eight Pune Shiv Sena politicians after being attacked by Shiv Sena goons in Pune Municipal Corporation yesterday. The Shivaji Nagar Police station in Pune has registered an FIR against eight Shiv Sena leaders including city President Sanjay More and seven others.
Former MP & BJP leader Kirit Somaiya attacked by Sonia Sena goons in broad daylight,
On February 05, Kirit Somaiya was attacked in the PMC office while he was in Pune to lodge an official complaint against Sanjay Raut’s aide Sujit Patkar in the case of Lifeline Hospital Management Services Scam worth Rs 100 crore during the Covid-19 pandemic. After being discharged from the Sancheti Hospital today, Somaiya claimed that the accused Shiv Sena all leaders will be arrested soon.
According to the FIR, Shiv Sena leaders including More, leader Chandan Salunke including Kiran Sali, Suraj Lokhande, Akash Shinde, Rupesh Pawar, Rajendra Shinde and Sunny Gavte have been named for the assault on the BJP leader. The case has been registered under Indian Penal Code sections 143, 147, 149, 341, 336, 337, 323, 504, 37(1) and 135.
8 Shivsena Leaders including Pune President Sanjay More to be arrested by Police for Assaulting Me. .
The BJP leader was in the city to expose Sujit Patkar’s links with Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut who is a business associate in a wine business run by his daughters. Kirit Somaiya has alleged that Sujeet Patkar’s fraud Company Lifeline Hospital Management Services got Rs. 100 Crore to open Covid Centres in Mumbai at Dahisar, Worli NSCI, Mahalaxmi Racecourse and Mulund.
“The whole of India sings in the voice of Maharashtra, and that voice is of Lata Mangeshkar,” said veteran journalist P. K. Atre once, when asked about the musical contributions of the Mangeshkar family to the nation. When Lata Mangeshkar sang, her voice was the soul of the civilization speaking to a young nation. Through her training, she took the mantle of millennia-old practices in Classical music and tuned the ragas to popular songs in film music. A voice that stood for many a generation, she democratised music like no other, that her songs are hummed at any given moment in time. However, this article is an ode to one of the many facets of the legendary singer, talking about the patriotism which glided through her notes, and the nationalist dimensions of her musical excellency.
In the late 1950s, the liberation struggle for Goa from the Portuguese hands had stroke many fires. Many revolutionary groups including the Azad Gomantak Dal had started raiding administrative buildings and police stations set up by the Portuguese administration. Already in 1954, The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh had joined hands with Goan fighters to liberate the islands of Nagar Haveli. The struggle for Goa needed monetary help to align different activities together in order to set up a coordinated attack. Legendary music composer Sudhir Phadke, who also happened to be an RSS Swayamsevak was to call Lata Didi for participating in a fund-raising concert for Goa in Pune.
Left: Lata Mangeshkar praying the family deity of Mangeshi Shankara at her home. Right: Singing at a fundraising concert with Sudhir Phadke to help the liberation of Goa
Lata Mangeshkar readily accepted to sing for the nationalist cause, which was organised at Hirabaug in Pune in 1954-55. It is interesting to note that her roots trace back to Mangueshi, a small hamlet in the state where resides the Mangeshi Shiva – the family deity of the Mangeshkars. According to Lata Didi, it was Swatantryaveer Savarkar who instilled nationalism among her siblings when he used to visit her family frequently to meet her father Master Dinanath Mangeshkar. “When Sudhir Phadke (also called Babuji) approached me for this nationalist cause, raising funds for the activities of liberating Goa, I agreed immediately…I have no clue what was the amount raised by that concert, but I am glad that I could do my small bit for my Goa, the land of my ancestors, and my country, India,” she said while talking about the incident in an interview in 2015. While the sole purpose of the concert was to support the revolutionaries aiming to liberate Goa, she refused to charge even a single penny for the same.
Lata Mangeshkar singing Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo in 1953, PM Nehru looks by
A similar episode in the life of Lata Mangeshkar was to repeat in 1962 when the nation met with another calamity of the Indo-China War. Here, “Ae Mere Watan Ke logon” was born out of an ode to the widows of martyred soldiers in the war against China. Performed by Lata Mangeshkar at Delhi’s National Stadium as a fundraiser for the bereaved families, the song was composed by C Ramachandra and written by Kavi Pradeep.
It was later on January 27, 1963, following the Republic Day ceremony at Delhi that Didi gave the same performance in front of President Dr S Radhakrishnan and Prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The memorable concert aches the hearts of true Indians even today, while it stands as a national song for remembrance of the martyred. The strange coincidence of the song being included in the Beating the Retreat ceremony this year on January 29, was a perfect ode from the nation indebted to the legendary singer who was battling with life for a month.
According to Lata Didi herself, her Nationalistic servitude was inspired by Veer Savarkar who happened to be a close associate of her father. Even after the death of Master Dinanath, a revered singer and theatre artist from the Marathi Natya sangeet fraternity, The Mangeshkar siblings held close ties with Savarkar who used to visit them frequently. “Tatya (Savarkar) was like a family member to us. His thoughts, poems and other literature was being thoroughly discussed and pondered over in our house” said Lata Mangeshkar in an interview along with her brother and music composer Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar with DD Sahyadri.
Lata Didi recalls in the interview of insisting her mother to allow accompanying her father Master Dinanath, to participate in a community feast at a Dalit neighbourhood organised by Savarkar. The Hindu Nationalist freedom fighter used to often organise such gatherings to bridge the gap between divided castes and communities on a community level. This was one of the first meetings of the girl who was to rise up becoming the nightingale of India with one of the biggest patriots of the motherland. The influence of Sawarkar on Lata Mangeshkar’s gayaki was to remain for a lifetime.
When young Lata grew up to be an established singer, she had once invited V. D. Savarkar to inaugurate her music album by visiting her residence in Mumbai. Aware of the controversies revolving around him, Savarkar initially declined the offer insisting that the music might not do well after being associated with him. “Even if it doesn’t fare well, I wish my album to be blessed by you” insisted Lata, following which Savarkar graced the function.
Lata Mangeshkar with Swatantryaveer Savarkar at a function in Mumbai
During Savarkar’s last days, Pune University had organised a chair to commemorate his contributions to literature. For this very programme, Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar tuned Savarakar’s timeless poems, Ne Majasi Ne, Parat MatrubhoomiLa (Oh Ocean, take me back to my motherland) and Jayostute Shri Mahanmangale (Victory to the Goddess of Freedom). The poems composed in pathbreaking tunes have been sung by the Mangeshkar siblings including Usha Mangeshkar and Meena Mangeshkar. While the renderings echo nationalist sentiments fiercely, it is through Lata Mangeshkar’s voice that the gentle innocence of an ’emotional’ Savarkar yearning for his nation is reflected.
Beyond this, what stands out while recalling the nationalism of Mangeshkar, was her rendition of Vande Mataram, India’s national song. Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in his 1882 novel Anandmath, the song is an abstract ode to India as a motherland, personified as Hindu Goddess Durga. In 1952, when Hemant Kumar composed the verse in a fitting Raga Desh, it was Lata Mangeshkar’s voice that rendered the original offbeat composition with rigour.
On her passing away today, The Prime Minister has expressed his condolences and has recalled his prolonged association with the legendary singer. In 2013, she had also announced her endorsement for the then CM of Gujarat, Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India. Lata Mangeshkar through her philanthropic work, has set up many medical institutions in the name of her father across many cities in Maharashtra. For gracing the inauguration of two of such institutions, Ex-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and later Narendra Modi (as a Chief Minister of Gujrat) were invited by the Mangeshkar family wholeheartedly.
I consider it my honour that I have always received immense affection from Lata Didi. My interactions with her will remain unforgettable. I grieve with my fellow Indians on the passing away of Lata Didi. Spoke to her family and expressed condolences. Om Shanti.
It is also to be mentioned here that, Lata Mangeshkar will be cremated with state honours in the vicinity of the Shivaji statue at the Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Hearts will continue to beat in resonance with her rendition of Hey, Hindu Narsimha, Prabho Shivaji Raja! (All Hail Shivaji Raja, who rose as a Narsimha for the Hindus) – the very first Aarti of Chhatrapati Shivaji composed by Savarkar himself. From Shivaji Maharaj to Swatatryaveer Savarkar, from singing a bhajan for Advani’s Rath Yatra in 1992 to wishing Narendra Modi well for his tenure of heading the country, Lata Mangeshkar always stood out while unequivocally supporting everyone who fought for the cause of the nation. Her nationalism is although not of the political kind, but a thread that continues to run through her music.
Hyundai Motor India Pvt Limited on Sunday issued a statement after it got caught into a controversy for going on a blocking spree when Indians questioned its stand on the pro-terror social media post by its Pakistani counterpart.
In a statement, Hyundai India said that it has been committed to Indian market which has been its second home since over 25 years now and alleged that the ‘unsolicited’ social media post linking Hyundai Motor India ‘offends’ it commitment and service to India. The company said that they have zero tolerance policy for insensitive communication and ‘strongly condemned’ such view.
However, it is not yet clear why they blocked Indian citizens on Twitter for questioning its stand and asking for accountability on the contentious social media post by its Pakistani counterpart.
Pakistan Hyundai, Kia Pakistan post ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ posts
On February 5, 2022, Hyundai Pakistan as well as a dealer of Kia Motors in Pakistan shared posts on social media extending support to the Pakistan sponsored violence in Kashmir under the garb of ‘solidarity’ which is being celebrated as ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ every year on 5th February every year.
Hyundai Pakistan post
While Hyundai Pakistan has since deleted the tweet, Kia dealer’s page continues to show the post on their page.
Kia Motors dealer’s post
Kashmir Solidarity Day
Pakistan celebrates 5th February every year as ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ to extend support to the Kashmiri separatist movement which is funded and supported by the Pakistan state. It was launched by Nawaz Sharif as the Pakistani Prime Minister in 1991. Since then, anti-India groups and individuals and Pakistani dispensation have used the day to convince Kashmiris to incite violence. So-called solidarity ‘rallies’ are held in Kashmir illegally occupied by Pakistan. In fact, in 2007, terror organisation Lashker e Toiba chief Hafiz Saeed had also addressed one such ‘Kashmir solidarity rally’ on February 5.
Lata Mangeshkar, who passed away at the age of 92 at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Sunday, did an interview with Kishore Kumar for a New York-based Indian television program back in the 1970s. Kishore Kumar agreed to the interview only after knowing that it will be done by none other than Lata Mangeshkar. The story is a bit filmy.
The conversation took place in a room at the iconic Watergate Hotel in Washington, where many celebrities were also staying. Kishore, who was known for his antipathy to the press, had been convinced for the interview.
Lata was also scheduled to be interviewed that day, so she arrived early and finished her portion on time. Kishore arrived a little late. There he came to see Kiran Vairale, the interviewer. Suddenly he backed into the kitchenette of the apartment and did not come out from there. Something appeared to irritate him, but it was unclear what it was.
After a while, he stated that his only condition for leaving the kitchen was that he would not do the interview with anybody else, but that if Lata Mangeshkar did it, he would be fine.
Lata Mangeshkar then agreed to do the interview and Kishore Kumar came out of the kitchen soon after.
Here are some of the questions that were asked and answered during the interview:
Lata: How do you feel about performing on stage with me? Please, only the truth.
Kishore: It’s fantastic. I’m only worried about one thing: you’re so reserved, and I’m known for clowning about a lot, so I’m worried I’m upsetting you.
Lata: You see, I have the same problem; I can’t sing and go around all over the place.
Kishore: No, Lata, your personal style is ideal for you. The audience expects me to move around and dance because I was an actor before becoming a full-time singer, and I aim to give them double pleasure!
Lata: Do you think you’re happy right now?
Kishore: I’m overjoyed. By God’s grace, I have nothing I desire. If there is one thing I wish for, it is to return to Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, my hometown.
Kishore Kumar used to sit in a Shamshan on a frequent basis. When Lata asked why so?
Kishore Kumar replied: ‘This is, after all, my last destination.
Among the thousands of memorable songs by Lata Mangeshkar, a large number of them were duets with Kishore Kumar. According to an analysis by Hindustan Times, the two legendary singers of the Hindi film industry had sung 348 songs together. This was the second-highest number of duet songs by Lata Mangeshkar with a male singer, she had sung the highest 450 songs with Muhammad Rafi, another legend.
The Madras High Court has recently directed a Hindu petitioner to exhibit tolerance after he moved the court, complaining about the use of loudspeakers in a newly constructed church in Neduvilai in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu.
The petitioner, identified as one C Kishore, filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court wherein he challenged the permission given by the Kanyakumari District Collector to one Y Thangaraj to construct a Church. He complained that Thangaraj had been creating a ‘nuisance’ by conducting prayers through loudspeakers, both during the day and night. He had also alleged that the church had installed CCTV cameras pointing towards his house, and had urged the court to direct the removal of the loudspeakers and the concerned CCTV cameras.
The matter was heard by a Single Judge Bench of Justice CV Karthikeyan, who rejected the plea asking the petitioner to show tolerance as he is Hindu. The judge stated, “He (The petitioner) says that he is a Hindu. One of the basic tenants to be followed by every Hindu is tolerance. Tolerance must be his own community or religion and in particular, to also to every other religious practice.”
“The petitioner should learn to live with everybody else around him. This country takes the pride in unity in diversity. There cannot be diversity in unity. The petitioner should accept the group of people living across, and around with him and he should also accept that people of various faith and various caste, creed and religion and given rights under the constitution,” he added.
The Court emphasised, “The country is a secular country recognising practice of religion. The petitioner cannot make complaint against the same”. It noted that there was a temple in the same area as that of the Church. The Court asked the petitioner to uphold the ideal of ‘Unity in Diversity.’ Justice CV Karthikeyan said that the Kanyakumari District Collector analysed all aspects before granting permission for constructing the Church.
The Court dismissed the writ petition and asked the District Collector to make Y Thangaraj practice tolerance and respect. “I am confident that sense and sensibility would prevail over pride and prejudice,” Justice CV Karthikeyan concluded.
However, the court also observed that the officials may advise the person who has built the Church to exercise restraint, adding that the use of loudspeakers may not be required for God to hear the prayers. “The District Collector, Kanyakumari District, may by himself/herself or through the Sub Collector, Padmanabhapuram have a meeting with the fourth respondent and impress upon the fifth respondent ( Y Thangaraj ) that it is only prudent to be restrained and it is not required that a prayer should put forth in loudspeakers for the God to hear,” the judge directed. “Let the prayers be conducted in a gentle manner”, the Court further said.
Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar’s demise has left her fans heartbroken across the globe. Her voice has touched millions of people irrespective of caste, race, religion and colour. There are countless fans of Mangeshkar’s voice in neighbouring Pakistan as well. Several celebrities and politicians from Pakistan have posted tribute messages for the legendary singer. However, Islamists are showing displeasure and posting hateful comments under the condolence tweets.
Pakistan cricketer Babar Azam wrote, “End of a golden era. Her magical voice and legacy will continue to live in the hearts of millions worldwide. An unparalleled icon!”
Source: Twitter
His tweet did not go well with the Islamists who spewed hate under in tweet in the comments. Twitter user Hamza said, “What could be more heartless, indifferent? The whole country is mourning the death of an infidel singer. But the children, the old, the young, the women, who are dying of hunger, thirst and lack of medicine, all have their tongues shut.” The tweet was in Urdu.
Source: Twitter
Another user Mohid expressed his disappointment as Azam had not talked about the Pakistani Army fighting in Balochistan.
Source: Twitter
Azam later changed the setting of his tweet to limit who could comment and hid the hateful replies.
Fawad Hussain, Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting, said, “A legend is no more, Lata Mangeshkar was a melodious queen who ruled the world of music for decades she was the uncrowned queen of music her voice shall keep ruling the Hearts of people for all times to come.”
Source: Twitter
Twitter user The_Source_inc said, “If that RIP is said for rest in peace then the saying person has surely lost his eman. And, if he has married then the nikah will also stand void after that. Feel some shame if left any.”
Source: Twitter
Senator Sherry Rehman wrote, “Lata Mangeshkar defined an era of melodic, virtuoso singing, cinema playback and more. Sad to hear of her passing. She had such a vast repertoire, it is impossible to choose even 5 favourite songs, so here’s one: Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai – Guide.”
Source: Twitter
Former Pakistani cricketer Ramiz Raja said, “Lata Mangeshkar was the epitome of grace, humility and simplicity and therefore greatness.. a lesson for all. Kishore Kumar, and now her death has left me music broken!”
Source: Twitter
Pakistani musician Mustafa Zahid said, “Lata Mangeshkar, One of the most iconic voice of South Asia and of our childhood, has left today, leaving behind an irreplaceable legacy. Goodbye Nightingale.”
Source: Twitter
Mohsin Dawar, National Assembly member, said, “The passing of Lata Mangeshkar jee marks the end of an era. Her voice will remain part of the shared cultural heritage of this region. Condolences and commiserations to her family and loved ones. May she rest in peace.”
Source: Twitter
A Twitter user expressed displeasure as Dawar had not posted anything for Pakistani soldiers.
Source: Twitter
Leader of Opposition, Shebhaz Sharif said, “In the passing of Lata Mangeshkar, the world of music has lost a singing legend who mesmerized generations with her melodious voice. The people of my generation grew up listening to her beautiful songs that will remain part of our memory. May she rest in peace!”
Source: Twitter
Twitter user Tasawar17646668 expressed her displeasure as Sharif had not posted anything about people dying of hunger and inflation but consoling the death of a ‘Hindu’.
Islamists were not the only ones who spewed hate against the late singer. Several from the liberal and woke gang in India showed how much they hate Lata Mangeshkar just because she wore her Hindu identity proudly.
Lata Mangeshkar passed away
Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar passed away on Sunday due to complications associated with Covid-19. The funeral of Lata Mangeshkar will be held on February 6. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flown to Mumbai to pay last respects to her.
Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar was not only one of India’s legendary singers ever but also a huge cricket fan. Lata Mangeshkar had a special affection for cricket and was a big enthusiast of the game.
Lata Mangeshkar’s passion for the sport goes back decades. In addition to watching several matches on the ground, Lata Mangeshkar played a significant role in uplifting the glory of the game, especially after the historic 1983 World Cup win.
After the Indian team lifted the World Cup in 1983 by beating the West Indies in the finals, the Board of Control for Cricket in India had decided to felicitate and honour the team. The BCCI had also announced to honour the players. However, the cash-strapped cricket board did not have enough funds for it.
Union minister NKP Salve, who was President of BCCI then, had disclosed that Raj Singh Dungarpur had turned to Lataji for help.
“Raj Singh came up with a brilliant idea of requesting Lata Mangeshkar to do a musical programme in Delhi to raise money for the purpose, as the BCCI was not flush with funds in those days,” wrote NKP Salve.
In one of the interviews, Lata Mangeshkar reportedly narrated the incident saying, “I said I would definitely do it. I reached Delhi on 17th August, and I did a special show. Suresh Wadekar and Nitin Mukesh, son of Mukesh Bhaiya, also supported this show. Rajiv Gandhi was also present in that show,” she said.
In the event, Lata Mangeshkar sang a special song composed by Pandit Hridyanath Mangeshkar, Lata’s composer brother. The song titled – “Bharat Vishwa Vijeta” saw the cricketers also sing along on the stage. In the end, the concert ended up raising Rs. Twenty lakhs which made sure that every player received Rs. one lakh. For this event, Lata did not charge a penny for the performance.
Recognising her contributions to both music and the sport, the BCCI paid tributes to the legendary singer at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
“The Indian Cricket team is wearing black armbands today to pay their respects to Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar ji, who left for her heavenly abode on Sunday morning. The queen of melody, Lata Didi loved cricket, always supported the game and backed Team India,” the BCCI said in a tweet.
In a significant development in the Hijab controversy, the Udupi police have arrested two persons for plotting to unleash violence during the ongoing protests by Muslim girl students against the government’s order to enforce strict uniform rules in educational institutions in the state.
According to the reports, the police have arrested 32-year-old Haji Abdul Majeed Gangolli and 41-year-old Rajab Gangolli for plotting to unleash violence during the hijab protests outside the government college in Kundapura, Udupi district. They were caught flashing knives during the ongoing hijab protests.
It is pertinent to note that a few sections of Muslim students are protesting outside colleges in several colleges in the Udupi district against the government’s rules over uniforms.
According to the police, around five to six attackers had carried knives and threatened some of the students. As the police approached the spot, four escaped, and two were detained. Khaleel, Rizwan, Ifthikar and another attacker have escaped from the spot.
According to the reports, Abdul Majeed is a rowdy sheeter, and seven cases have been registered against him in Gangolli police station. Rajab is also a criminal, against whom one case is registered in Gangolli police station.
Hijab controversy:
The Hijab controversy started in Karnataka after the government strictly enforced uniform regulations in educational institutions. However, it took a dangerous turn after a few Muslim students refused to follow the guidelines and insisted that they would be wearing Hijab inside educational institutions.
In response, Hindu students have also started wearing saffron shawls prompting the authorities to ban both outfits. However, the Muslim students have brazened it out to protest against the authorities outside, risking the future of several other students studying in the school.
The Karnataka government has categorically stated that religious attires are not allowed inside the campus, and students will have to obey uniform rules. However, some Muslim students continue to protest outside the gates, demanding the right to wear hijabs. Meanwhile, a petition arguing that Muslim women wearing Hijab should be permitted to attend classes has also been filed in the Karnataka High Court.
However, the state government has stood firm on its stand of uniform dress code at schools and colleges of Karnataka and has ordered the mandatory wearing of uniform approved by the state government on school and college campuses.
Minutes after Rahul Gandhi declared Charanjit Singh Channi as the CM face of Punjab, the Punjab Lok Congress took to Twitter to mock Capt. Amarinder Singh’s old rival Navjot Singh Sidhu.
Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu who was eying for the Chief Minister’s post was snubbed by the Congress when Rahul Gandhi picked Channi over him as the CM face for Congress in upcoming elections. Taking a pot-shot at this development, Capt. Amarinder Singh’s Punjab Lok Congress has posted an image of Sidhu’s covered face while he was holding hands with Rahul Gandhi and CM Channi to showcase that the decision was unanimous. However, during the event, while Sidhu raised his hand by taking the stance, the shawl he had draped around slipped over his face. Paparazzi amongst the media who were present at the event were quick to capture this moment, which has turned hilarious on political Twitter.
Many saw the shawl covering Sidhu’s face as the pictorial depiction of his political career which now seems to be breathing his last and Channi’s elevation as CM face for Congress seems to be the final nail in the metaphorical coffin.
The Punjab Lok Congress’ poli-tickling did not stop here. The party handle has started tweeting Sidhu’s famous dialogues under the hashtag ‘curtains for Sidhu’. Thoko Tali – Siddhu’s popular monicker from his cricket commentary was employed well at the moment here.
After South Korean automobile manufacturer – Hyundai Motor Company courted controversy after its Pakistani subsidiary called for the disintegration of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India, its sister-company Kia Motors Corporation also got in trouble after its dealer in Pakistan’s Hyderabad made similar such post.
In a tweet, the Kia Crossroads showroom situated in Hyderabad, Pakistan, has tweeted in support of so-called Kashmir Day and claimed that it stands for the freedom of Kashmir.
“We stand United for the freedom of Kashmir. #KashmirDay #5Feb,” tweeted Kia Motors on Saturday.
Kia Motors’ dealer’s tweet from 5th February 2022
Following the display of arrogance by a Kia dealership in Pakistan, netizens in India got enraged against Kia for calling the country’s disintegration. Social media users questioned the Indian counterpart as well as the parent company whether they endorse the views of the Pakistani dealer.
One user said he would sell his car after Kia wanted freedom for Kashmir.
I guess it’s time sell my car. Sigh.
Hyundai & Kia want ‘Freedom’ for Kashmir…
Goes to show just how well connected and deep the ecosystem is.
Another user said it was wrong for Kia to take sides on Kashmir, a place where genocides of Hindus took place in 1990.
#BoycottKiaMotors@Kia_Worldwide is it correct to take sides on Kashmir, a place which has seen GENOCIDE of HINDUS by Muslims of that place time & again, especially on #January191990 ? Shame on you for your love of that country which breeds terrorists.@KiaInd@PMOIndia
Likewise, several Indians called for a boycott of Kia, along with Hyundai and said that the nation’s pride was more important than petty business considerations.
It’s time to boycott cars manufactured by @KiaInd .
Meanwhile, demands to boycott Kia have been gaining momentum on social media.
Hyundai India blocks netizens after they question whether they endorse their Pakistani counterpart’s views on Kashmir:
On Saturday (February 5), automobile manufacturer Hyundai Motor Company courted controversy after the firm’s Pakistani venture called for the disintegration of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India.
Strangely, as Indian netizens asked Hyundai India to tweet in support of India and questioned whether they endorsed the tweet of Hyundai Pakistan, Hyundai India started blocking those Indians on Twitter.
The Pakistani handle posted the contentious tweet, seeking the secession of Indian territory, on the occasion of “Kashmir Solidarity Day”. It is a national holiday observed annually on February 5 to show support to Islamic terrorists and Kashmiri separatists operating from Indian soil.
Indian netizens were miffed at the brazen interference in India’s geopolitical affairs and dissemination of Pakistani government propaganda by the South Korean automotive manufacturer. However, on questioning Hyundai India whether it endorsed the stand of Hyundai Pakistan, the firm responded by blocking the Indian netizens.
Meanwhile, Hyundai in Pakistan eventually deleted the tweet and its Indian counterpart protected its account and made the tweets private.
