By IANS,
Kolkata : In the wake of continued protests by Muslim groups against the controversial film “Innocence of Muslims”, the United States consulate here announced the closure of the American Center for two days beginning Thursday.
“The American Center will be closed Oct 4-5, 2012, due to planned demonstrations in Kolkata. US citizens should avoid areas of planned demonstrations such as Esplanade and Shahid Minar,” said a security message issued by the US consulate in the city.
“The US Consulate encourages US citizens traveling in and around Kolkata to exercise caution and monitor local media reports,” the message said.
Only a week after thousands of supporters of Muslim organisations had assembled near the American Center and protested against the controversial film Sep 27, many protestors including several Imams Thursday marched towards the Center.
There was heavy deployment of security personnel around the building and the protestors were intercepted well before the building.
Police said the demonstration was peaceful and the protestors were later escorted to the Center for submitting a deputation.
Traffic was also diverted from the Jawaharlal Nehru Road which houses the American Center. Some Muslim organisations have called a protest rally at Shahid Minar in the city Friday.