AGARTALA: The Tripura Minister for Animal Resource Development, Fisheries, and Scheduled Caste Welfare, Sudhangshu Das, has created controversy as he appealed to stop the medical services for Bangladeshi nationals.
His appeal was driven by allegations that disrespect was shown toward the Indian national flag in Bangladesh. His comments have drawn widespread protests and polarized opinions. The minister made them in a social media post on Saturday, venting his anger over the reported incidents.
He referred to those accused of perpetuating the acts as "barbaric madrasa-style jihadis" and decried their availability to medical facilities in India. "Those who insult the national flag of my country are coming here and availing all kinds of services, including medical treatment," he wrote.
Das further urged the medical fraternity and Indian citizens to protest. "Doctors and other professionals who are true to Mother India must stop aiding these individuals," he urged.
The controversy stems from reports of minority persecution, the arrest of Hindu monks, and viral videos purportedly depicting acts of disrespect toward the Indian flag in Bangladesh. These developments have fueled anger in India, with many calling for an end to cross-border medical services as a protest.
Outside ILS Hospital, in Agartala, the demonstrations have become a point of unrest. They were sloganeering and demanding strong measures against the Bangladeshi citizens. "We will not tolerate the insult of our national flag. Our next move will be to target other medical facilities like GB Hospital," one of the protesters declared.
In a developing drama, ILS Hospital in Agartala said it was withdrawing its medical services to Bangladeshi patients. It explained that the decision was a protest against how minorities were treated in Bangladesh and India being disrespected.
The minister's comments and the subsequent protests underscore growing tensions in India-Bangladesh relations. Citizens are calling for more stringent measures against activity deemed anti-India. The debate has renewed questions on cross-border exchanges, with some seeking that the government revisit policies governing services extended to foreign nationals given such incidents.
The issue underlines the complications of balancing humanitarian aid with national sentiments, raising broader questions about regional stability and diplomatic relations.
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