The e-commerce giant has deleted the original reply and issued an apology. (REUTERS/Abhishek N. Chinnappa/File Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 8
Social media users in Nagaland and others had a field day on Thursday following a geographical faux pas by the e-commerce giant Flipkart in a reply to a simple poser regarding service delivery in Nagaland on its Facebook page on October 7.
“Why is Flipkart not delivering to Nagaland? We still didn't get independence and we are still a part of India. Treat all states equally areeh! (sic),” a user from Nagaland asked in the comment section of a Flipkart Big Billion campaign posted on October 5.
In its reply, Flipkart regretted the non-delivery and “appreciated” the poser’s interest, before adding the zinger of a reply, “However, sellers do not provide out services outside India.”
The reaction was instant.
“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…” another user from the state pointed out.
Flipkart apologizes for ‘inadvertent error’
The e-commerce giant since then deleted the original reply and issued an apology on the same day.
“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.
However, by then the screenshot of the reply had been widely shared and received huge traction on various social media platforms on October 8, particularly due to relatability over geography as well as the Indo-Naga political talks, a topical issue in the State right now.
“Although not with Flipkart, Even I had this experience once. Nagaland is India #Flipkart,” Nagaland DGP Borders Affairs, Rupin Sharma IPS shared on Twitter.
Tripura’s 'royal scion' Pradyot Bikram Manikya DebBarma also took to Twitter for reaction on the same. “Hello @Flipkart is this true ? If true then Don’t u know that Nagaland is not outside India ! Shocking really (sic)” he wrote.
“Wow! Flipkart has granted independence to Nagaland,” a comment on Twitter read.
“Thank you @flipkart for predicting our future & giving us freedom too soon....Nagaland is a new country now according to them,” a popular Naga musician commented.
“I as patriotic Naga am delighted to learn that Flipkart has recognised Nagaland as a separate country,” another commented on a Facebook page sarcastically.
