Guwahati: A few months back, Flipkart was caught up in social media storm after misinterpreting the cultural attire of Nagaland and selling attires that nowhere near the traditional costume.
Now Flipkart has against made a huge mistake by demonstrating its ignorance towards the state.
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 service couldn’t be provided since the location was “outside India”.
In a recent development, a customer from Nagaland questioned Flipkart on why the website no longer delivers items to Nagaland.
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.
In the complaint the customer wrote, “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.”
In response, Flipkart came up with a shocking reply, “Sorry to hear that. We appreciate your interest in shopping with us. However, sellers do not provide our services outside India.”
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
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
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
