Kashmir: Nokia Maps triggers protests - IT Protests Of 2008

[VelMurugan]

Kashmir: Nokia Maps triggers protests

Sores of activists of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) rampaged a Nokia showroom for showing Kashmir as part of Pakistan's territory in its mobile navigation system.

They barged into a Nokia showroom and snatched mobile phones and burnt them. Besides, they also set hoardings on fire outside the showroom. Dozens of policemen were present when the attack took place. A BJP leader and a deputy in the state assembly demanded legal action against Nokia.

"Nokia has introduced a software. When we heard about it, then the members of the BJYM protested in front of the Nokia showroom. This is a case of anti-nationalism. We demanded that the Nokia and other people involved in the conspiracy be booked for spreading anti-national activities. We will intensify the protest if this case has not been registered," said Sharad Jain, the BJP legislator.

Nokia's mobile mapping and navigation service, Nokia Maps, allows people to pre-plan their journey at home on their PC and synchronise with their mobile, giving access to pre-planned routes and favourite destinations while on the move. It also includes high-resolution aerial images and 3D landmarks for 216 cities and terrain maps.

"This software is developed by Nokia. This is the problem of Nokia and we are not concerned with it as we are merely shop owners, not the client of the company. But, the manner in which the mob entered and started torching the shop is bad," said Rafiq Khan, the Nokia showroom owner.

Source : IndiaTimes