The Nokia mapping software which shows Indian claimed Kashmir has being part of Pakistan lead to a shop being attacked in central Jabalpur city in Madhya Pradesh state. The attack was lead by activists of the youth wing of the Hindu nationalist opposition party, the BJP.
"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," Sharad Jain, the local BJP legislator told the Economic Times newpaper.
The Reuters news agency reported that they seized Nokia handsets from the Nokia showroom and set fire to them - along with also setting hoardings on fire outside the retail outlet.
"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.
Political sensitivities are an increasing problem for map making software vendors - such as how to deal with disputed borders or even national claims on areas such as Taiwan or Cyprus.
