KUALA LUMPUR: The #BoycottMalaysia hashtag is now trending on Twitter after Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in his speech during the 74th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept 27, spoke about the need to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir conflict.
According to The News Minute, it all started when Turkey and China raised the issue at UNGA, leading to Dr Mahathir supporting the two countries.
He said: "Now, despite UN (United Nations) resolution on Jammu and Kashmir, the country has been invaded and occupied. There may be reasons for this action but it is still wrong. The problem must be solved by peaceful means. India should work with Pakistan to resolve this problem. Ignoring the UN would lead to other forms of disregard for the UN and the Rule of Law,"
The report said his statement, particularly related to "the country has been invaded and occupied" has not been well received by netizens in India and prompted the call for a boycott against Malaysia.
The #BoycottMalaysia hashtag, it said has been trending on Twitter since Monday, with users asking people not to travel to Malaysia.
One of the users, Krishna (@kkrishkore) wrote: “No one have the right to interfere (in) our internal matters, why is your prime minister (Malaysia) involve this matter, if he do the same, we take this #BoycottMalaysia,"
Another user, Mayur shah (@JasMayurshah) questioned why Dr Mahathir was focussing on a small percentage of Muslims in India who opposed the abrogation.
"Well well, if you say so. Just remember that only some percentage of sunnis live in India who opposed the abrogation, (the) rest of the of twenty crore Muslims are ok. what does it mean? It's political power shift in the valley that's being opposed."
Rita (@RitaG74) said: "Though Malaysia was never on my travel list, Turkey was. Won't visit both countries ever. #BoycottMalaysia."
Meanwhile, Anirudh Narayanan (@UhKneeRude) said: "As a person who has lived in both India and Malaysia, the #BoycottMalaysia makes no sense. Malaysia is not anti-Indian or Hindu (visit once and find out) in the slightest.
"So before you #BoycottMalaysia thinks about the broader ramifications of your actions!!”.
It was reported that the Indian government had revoked the special status accorded to the region in a presidential decree issued on Aug 5 that guaranteed special rights to the Muslim-majority state, including the right to its own constitution and autonomy to make laws on all matters except defence, communications and foreign affairs.
Following the move, India sent thousands of troops to the disputed region, imposed a curfew, shut down telecommunications and internet, and arrested political leaders.