Priyanka Chopra, a celebrated actor, known to speak her mind, has unfortunately rubbed a lot of people the wrong way back in India.
In an interview to ET Canada, while promoting her North East film production Pahuna: The Little Visitors at the Toronto International Film Festival, the actress claimed that this is the first ever film to have emerged from the region as it is troubled with conflicting situations.

This is what she had to say,
This is a Sikkimese film. Sikkim is a small state in the North East of India which never had a film industry or anyone who made films from there. And this is the first film ever that’s come out of that region because it’s very troubled with insurgency and troubling situations. I’m very excited.
She added about the theme of Pahuna, “This is a film about two kids and their perspective on the refugee crisis on being moved from one place to another without understanding the reason.” Priyanka is also the brand ambassador of Assam.

Clearly, the statement has not gone down too well with a lot of people, considering Sikkim is perhaps one of the most peace-loving states in the country and definitely not the one hit by the insurgency. While Sikkim’s industry may be at a very nascent stage, it still has produced a few widely acclaimed films.
Clearly, Twitter had a lot of things to say, pointing out everything that was wrong with her statement.
Many called her statement highly irresponsible:
Priyanka Chopra is the Ambassador of Assam and calls Sikkim a small state from ‘north east’, troubled by insurgency ! Seriously, dude?
— Anshu Chhibber (@AnshuChhibber) September 14, 2017
Sikkim is one of the most peaceful states, dear Priyanka. We don’t have any insurgency here. Plz comment responsibly.@priyankachopra
— Santosh Subba (@sonupondhak) September 13, 2017
#Sikkim is the only state in the country that can rightfully claim a peace bonus https://t.co/zFp6xorAgT
— Karma Bhutia (@iambhutia) September 13, 2017
Dear PC….please don’t loose the respect I had for you! I hope you realise Danny Denzongpa is also from Sikkim.@priyankachopra
— Renuka Soraisam (@screwdrenka) September 14, 2017
Sikkim and insurgency….!!!??? That sounds nuts #PriyankaChopra
Plz get ur facts correct…#Sikkim is such a lovely n peaceful state…— Prerona Bura Gohain (@Prerona_Gohain) September 13, 2017
#PriyankaChopra says #Sikkim is a troubled state in interview 2 US media. Pea-sized brain, zero homework. Is this how u make money?
— Indira Laisram (@indira_laisram) September 13, 2017
@priyankachopra don’t u dare scream discrimination when a white person calls u brown! You dense, ignorant imbecile! Leave #Sikkim alone!
— Shiori 栞 (@Avvan23) September 13, 2017
The statement has already caused a lot of backlash, forcing the Sikkimese Tourism Secretary to also voice his concern. In a statement to CNNNews18, this is what he had to say,
Sikkim tourism secy speaks to @CNNnews18 : Sikkim is a peaceful state and the safest for women. Priyanka Chopra must clarify.
— Anshu Chhibber (@AnshuChhibber) September 14, 2017
You can watch the entire interview here: