Kolkata Airport Stops Entry to Historic Mosque; Suvendu Adhikari Backs Decision on Security Grounds
The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata has suspended entry passes for congregational prayers at the 136-year-old Gauripur Jama Masjid, also known as the 'Bankra Masjid', located within the airport premises. The move has sparked a political debate, with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari supporting the decision, citing national security priorities.
The mosque is situated near the airport's secondary runway. Airport authorities have stated that its presence poses a risk to aircraft operations and has stalled plans to expand the second runway. Experts note that when the main runway is closed for maintenance, large aircraft face difficulties using the secondary runway due to the mosque's proximity.
Since Saturday, the airport has stopped issuing entry passes for the mosque, and prayers have been halted. Security personnel have been deployed to maintain order. Adhikari said, “National security and security of the airport will gain priority over everything else. As the Leader of Opposition, I will not comment further. The location of Kolkata International airport is critical since both China and Bangladesh are close by. It cannot keep its gates open for outsiders.”
He added, “We have not stopped anyone from practising their religion, unlike what the opposition claims. Bakrid was observed adhering to animal slaughter laws, Muharram was observed without brandishing weapons, and there was no problem. Obey the law and act as good citizens. Observe your religions as a personal matter, without trying to influence others. Then everything will run smoothly.”
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar backed the move, saying, “Ever since I was a student, I used to read in the newspaper that due to a mosque at Kolkata airport, the runway cannot be constructed and no previous government interfered due to appeasement politics. Now that our government is in power, we don't believe in appeasement politics. The mosque will be relocated.”
BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar, whose constituency includes the airport, alleged that the mosque's presence has affected full operational use of the two runways and raised security concerns. He claimed that visitors to the mosque do not require airport passes or background verification. “An airport is a secured area. Any person entering the airport has to obtain a biometric pass with a photograph. This mosque is located in the highest-security area, known as Level 3,” he said. Sikdar also noted the airport handles VVIP movements and lakhs of passengers monthly.
In response, Siddiqullah Chowdhury, president of the mosque committee and a former minister in the previous Mamata Banerjee cabinet, opposed the suspension. He argued that the mosque has existed for over 136 years and that entry for prayers should not have been stopped while discussions were ongoing. “The mosque has been there for more than 136 years, and there is an ongoing discussion on this issue. We are open to any amicable solution, and there was no need to stop entries for namaz,” he said.
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh alleged the mosque was deliberately allowed within the runway area. He said, “There was no justification for the mosque being located where it was. It had been deliberately allowed to remain.”
The controversy highlights tensions between security requirements at a major international airport and the religious sentiments of a historic place of worship. The airport authorities have not commented on a timeline for relocation or alternative arrangements.
