A hospital in Kolkata has said it will not treat patients from Bangladesh amid protests over alleged atrocities on minority Hindus in the neighbouring country.
An official of the JN Ray Hospital in north Kolkata's Manicktala area said on Friday that the decision was forced by insults meted out to the Indian flag by Bangladeshi nationals.
"We have issued a notification that from today till an indefinite time we will not admit any Bangladeshi patient for treatment. This is primarily because of the insults they have shown towards India," said hospital official Subhranshu Bhakt, reported PTI.
The official urged other hospitals in the city to take similar measures as a mark of protest against the alleged atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh.
"Seeing the tricolour being insulted, we have decided to stop treating Bangladeshis. India has played an important role in their independence but despite that, we are witnessing anti-India sentiments. We hope other hospitals will support us and take similar steps," he added.
Bangladesh Alleges 'Desecration' Of Its Flag At Kolkata Rally
The Bangladesh government stated on Friday alleging its flag was desecrated at a protest rally in Kolkata. The Bangiya Hindu Jagran Mach had called the protest which turned violent leaving one policeman injured.
The statement issued by Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called upon the Indian government to take immediate measures to prevent such incidents in the future, reported Dhaka Tribune.
It said that Bangladesh condemns all forms of violence and urged India to ensure the safety and security of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, other diplomatic missions in India, and all Bangladeshi diplomats and staff members.
"Although the situation seems to be under control at the moment, there is a prevailing sense of insecurity among the members of the Deputy High Commission," the ministry said.
Following the protest, around 15-20 additional security personnel were moved in to secure the deputy high commission office.