Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has urged all parties to respect the work of health care and emergency services.

Issuing a press release, the NRCS and the International Committee of the Red Cross also expressed concerns over an incident in which a Red Cross ambulance on its way to Birgunj was vandalised at Choharba in Siraha on Tuesday. This is the fourth Red Cross ambulance along with several other ambulances operated by other service providers to be attacked in the ongoing Madhes demonstrations, the press release said. “They must be able to move unobstructed and securely at all times. The ambulance services being operated by other agencies should receive the same treatment. Any misuse of the Red Cross emblem must be prevented,” said Dev Ratna Dhakhwa, NRCS secretary general. Red Cross has called on parties to exercise restraint and urged them to allow ambulances to provide services during demonstrations.

“The NRCS and the ICRC appeal to all concerned parties on the ground to respect the neutral and impartial work of the Red Cross and the health care and emergency services for the people in need,” the statement said.