E-commerce sites told to remove Pak flags, merchandise

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued formal notices to Amazon, Flipkart, UbuyIndia, Etsy, The Flag Company, and The Flag Corporation over the sale of Pakistani flags and merchandise on their platforms.

The CCPA has directed these companies to take down all such listings with immediate effect and ensure strict compliance with Indian laws.In a post on X, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs and Food Pralhad Joshi, wrote, "The CCPA has issued notices to @amazonIN, @Flipkart, @UbuyIndia, @Etsy, The Flag Company and The Flag Corporation over the sale of Pakistani flags and related merchandise. Such insensitivity will not be tolerated. E-commerce platforms are hereby directed to immediately remove all such content and adhere to National laws."

The move comes after the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) sent a letter to union commerce minister Piyush Goyal and consumer affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, demanding an urgent ban on the online sale of Pakistani symbols. The letter was sent on Tuesday, amid heightened national security concerns due to Operation Sindoor. CAIT called the sale of Pakistani flags, mugs, and T-shirts “deeply disturbing” at a time when Indian soldiers are engaged in a critical mission.

"This disturbing situation unfolds even as our valiant armed forces are actively engaged in Operation Sindoor — a mission of critical national importance against Pakistan," CAIT National President BC Bhartia wrote. Operation Sindoor, launched on 7 May, targeted nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It was conducted in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April, which killed 26 people, including several tourists.