West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on July 13 strongly defended restrictions on public access to a mosque located within Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, asserting that “national security is above everything” and must remain the government’s top priority.
The statement comes amid a debate over the temporary suspension of congregational prayers at the 136-year-old Gauripur Jama Masjid, popularly known as the Bankra Masjid, which is situated within the airport premises near a secondary runway.
Airport authorities suspended namaz at the mosque from Saturday, citing renovation work at the site. Security personnel and police have also been deployed in the area to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.
Speaking to reporters in Purba Medinipur, Adhikari highlighted the strategic importance of Kolkata’s international airport and stressed that security considerations must outweigh all other concerns.
“National security and the security of the airport will gain priority over everything else,” the Chief Minister said. He noted that Kolkata airport occupies a sensitive geographical position due to its proximity to Bangladesh and the broader eastern border region.
Adhikari said that critical installations such as international airports cannot allow unrestricted access to individuals who are not authorised airport users.
“The location of Kolkata international airport is important from a security perspective. It cannot keep its gates open for outsiders,” he said.
Responding to criticism from opposition parties, Adhikari maintained that the government was not interfering with anyone’s right to practice religion.
He pointed to the peaceful observance of recent religious events, including Bakrid and Muharram, and said that citizens were free to follow their faith as long as they complied with the law.
“We have not stopped anyone from practicing their religion. People should follow the law, act as responsible citizens and observe religion as a personal matter. Then everything will function smoothly,” he said.
The issue has also drawn attention from BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar, whose Dum Dum Assembly constituency includes the airport area.
Sikdar raised concerns about unrestricted access to the mosque, arguing that individuals visiting the shrine were not subject to the same security screening requirements as airport personnel and passengers.
According to the MLA, the mosque is located within a highly restricted security zone of the airport.
“An airport is a secured area. Anyone entering airport premises generally requires a biometric pass and identity verification. The mosque is situated in a Level-3 security zone,” he said.
He further noted that Kolkata airport handles millions of passengers annually and regularly hosts the movement of VVIPs, including the Prime Minister, Chief Minister and other senior dignitaries.
The Gauripur Jama Masjid, believed to be around 136 years old, has long existed within the airport complex and has been used by local worshippers for prayers.
The temporary suspension of prayers for renovation work has reignited a larger debate over access to religious structures located within high-security installations and the balance between religious practices and national security requirements.
