Flipkart apologises after saying Nagaland is 'outside India'

Much to its embarrassment, online retailer Flipkart had to issue an apology following public outrage over its response to a customer on social media that products cannot be delivered in Nagaland as it was “outside India”.

The official Facebook handle of the e-retail website made the remark while responding to a customer from Nagaland who had said: “We still didn’t get independence and we are still a part of India. Treat all states equally areeh!”

In response, Flipkart had said: “Sorry to hear that. We appreciate your interest in shopping with us. However, sellers do not provide our services outside India.” Though it deleted the reply later, people widely shared its screenshot and accused the firm of discrimination.

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

Sharing the screenshot, Nagaland’s Director General of Police for Borders Affairs Rupin Sharma tweeted, “Although not with Flipkart, Even I had this experience once. Nagaland is India #Flipkart.” He also invited Flipkart to the state’s famous Hornbill festival.

The online retailer later issued an apology, terming the incident as an “inadvertent error”.

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

“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,” read the apology.