'Cartographic inaccuracy': Nepal under fire for projecting J&K as part of Pakistan in map, issues apology
PTC News Desk: Nepal Airlines is under fire for its recent post attributng entire Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan on its 'network map'. Following global backlash, the airlines issued an apology for the incorrect map of India within 24 hours, calling it a "cartographic inaccuracy".
“We sincerely apologize for error in the network map recently shared on our social media channels. The map contained significant cartographic inaccuracies regarding international boundaries that do not reflect the official stance of Nepal or Nepal Airlines," Nepal Airlines wrote in a post on X.
The controversy erupted on Wednesday after an airline posted a route map on social media that showed the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as part of Pakistan. The post quickly went viral on X and Facebook, leading to criticism from Indian users.
Soon, the hashtag #BoycottNepalAirlines began trending, with many demanding that India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Aviation Ministry raise the issue with Nepal through diplomatic channels.
Many social media users also pointed out India’s long-standing support to Nepal, including employment opportunities for Nepali citizens, trade access, fuel supply, investments in power projects, and disaster relief assistance.
Reacting sharply, one user on X claimed that India has long supported Nepal’s economy by providing employment opportunities to Nepali citizens and extending assistance in areas such as fuel supply, power projects and disaster relief, but said such incidents strain ties.
Another user alleged that there has been a pattern of messaging by Nepal’s current government that is critical of India from time to time.
Nepal recently held elections, after which Balendra Shah, the former mayor of Kathmandu, was reported to have become the country’s youngest prime minister.
- With inputs from agencies
