Nepal Airlines has issued an apology after its network map mistakenly showed Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan. The incident sparked strong backlash on social media, with users calling out the airline for the inaccurate representation.
Details of the Controversy
The airline's network map, displayed on its official website, depicted the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir as being within Pakistan's boundaries. This led to widespread criticism from Indian netizens and officials, who demanded an immediate correction and apology.
Nepal Airlines' Response
In response to the backlash, Nepal Airlines released a statement expressing regret over the error. The airline clarified that the map was sourced from a third-party provider and did not reflect its own political stance. It assured that the map would be corrected promptly.
The statement read: "We sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding caused by the map. It was an unintentional error, and we have taken steps to rectify it immediately."
Reactions from India
Indian authorities and social media users were quick to condemn the depiction. Many emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and any contrary representation is unacceptable. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is reportedly looking into the matter.
Historical Context
This is not the first time a foreign airline has faced controversy over mapping of Kashmir. Several international carriers have previously been called out for similar errors, leading to demands for stricter adherence to international norms and bilateral agreements.
Nepal Airlines has assured that it will review its mapping policies to prevent such incidents in the future.
