On May 14, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) sent official notices to popular online shopping websites like Amazon India, Flipkart, Ubuy India, Etsy, The Flag Company, and The Flag Corporation. These platforms were asked to stop selling items that display the Pakistani flag or symbols linked to Pakistan.
Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, shared his thoughts in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He said such actions show a lack of sensitivity and will not be accepted. He also asked the platforms to remove those products quickly and follow the rules of the country.
"Such insensitivity will not be tolerated," Joshi wrote, directing platforms to act immediately.
The warning from the government came a day after the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) wrote to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. In the letter, CAIT pointed out that things like mugs, T-shirts, and flags showing Pakistan’s symbols were being sold online.
CAIT asked for an immediate stop to these sales, especially because of the current situation between India and Pakistan. They mentioned the ongoing Operation Sindoor, a military action, and rising tensions between the two countries.
Even though both countries have agreed to stop fighting and have called a ceasefire, things are still tense. The sale of these items during this time has caused concern among citizens and traders alike.