West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari backs curbs on Kolkata Airport mosque entry, cites security concerns
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has defended the temporary restrictions on entry to a mosque located within the premises of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, saying national security must take precedence over all other considerations.
Speaking to reporters after attending a BJP organisational meeting in Purba Medinipur on Sunday, Adhikari said the strategic location of Kolkata airport, close to international borders, makes it imperative to maintain strict security protocols.
"National security and the security of the airport will gain priority over everything else. The Kolkata international airport is strategically important because of its proximity to China and Bangladesh. Its gates cannot remain open to outsiders," the Chief Minister said.
Adhikari clarified that the government was not preventing anyone from practising their religion but stressed that religious activities must be conducted within the framework of the law.
"We have not stopped anyone from practising their religion. Bakrid was observed in accordance with animal slaughter laws, Muharram was conducted peacefully without brandishing weapons, and there were no issues. People should practise their faith as a personal matter while respecting the law," he said.
The Chief Minister was responding to criticism over the temporary suspension of congregational prayers at the Gouripur Jama Masjid, also known as the Bankra Mosque, situated within the airport complex near the secondary runway.
Airport authorities have stated that prayers at the more than 136-year-old mosque have been suspended for three days from Saturday to facilitate renovation work.
BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar, who represents the Dum Dum Uttar Assembly constituency, argued that unrestricted access to the mosque raises security concerns because visitors entering for prayers are not required to undergo the same security checks or obtain biometric airport passes as other entrants.
He said the mosque lies within a Level 3 high-security zone, where access is generally restricted, and noted that the airport handles VVIP movements, including those of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, in addition to millions of passengers each year.
Meanwhile, Siddiqullah Chowdhury, president of the mosque committee and a former state minister, opposed the suspension of entry passes, stating that the mosque has existed for over 135 years and that access for prayers should not have been halted while discussions with airport authorities were still underway.
Chowdhury also criticised officials for suspending entry passes and restricting access without prior notice or consensus.
The issue has sparked a political debate in West Bengal, with the ruling government citing security concerns while the mosque committee has called for restoration of access during ongoing consultations.
