Priyanka Chopra had to apologise to the Sikkim government on Thursday after describing the state as insurgency-hit. "In no way I wanted to hurt the sentiments of the people of Sikkim. My comment was misunderstood," she wrote to tourism minister Ugen T. Gyatso.

In an interview to promote the film Pahuna, made by her production company, Priyanka had said: "This is a Sikkimese film. Sikkim is a small state in the Northeast 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."

The interview triggered a backlash, with many calling her "politically illiterate".

Gyatso said: "We are deeply sad with the disappointing comment that Priyanka Chopra made about the state. We strongly condemn her statements."

Priyanka then emailed her apology. But in it she wrote: "I am fully aware that Sikkim is an incredible host nation to so many refugees and our film shows exactly that through the children's point of view."

The state government is angrier and has sought another apology from Priyanka

Sikkim Film Board chairman Uttam Reesi Pradhan said: "Sikkim is a part of India which is just general knowledge. If she was not sure about something then she should have referred to some GK books. There has been no refugee problem in Sikkim." (PTI)