Kolkata Airport Mosque Row Deepens As Suvendu Adhikari Defends Removal Decision

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday defended the decision to suspend entry passes for congregational prayers at a mosque located within the premises of Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, saying that national security and the safety of a strategically important installation must take precedence over all other considerations. His remarks came amid an ongoing controversy over access to the Bankra mosque, which is situated close to one of the airport's operational runways. Addressing reporters, Adhikari said airports are critical national assets and require stringent security measures.

He stressed that unrestricted public access to such facilities could not be permitted, particularly given Kolkata airport's strategic location in eastern India. Referring to the airport's proximity to international borders, the chief minister said security protocols must remain the highest priority and cannot be compromised. "National security and the security of the airport will take priority over everything else. As chief minister, I will not comment further. The location of Kolkata International Airport is critical since both China and Bangladesh are close by. Its gates cannot remain open to outsiders," Adhikari said while responding to questions on the issue.

He did not elaborate on the specific security assessment behind the suspension of entry passes. The controversy centres on the Bankra mosque, believed to be more than 130 years old and located around 165 metres from the airport's secondary runway. Reports of the suspension of entry passes for worshippers have sparked political debate, with opposition parties questioning the move and alleging that it restricts access to a longstanding place of worship. Airport authorities have not publicly announced any change in security policy beyond the reported access restrictions.

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Responding to criticism, Adhikari rejected allegations that his government was curbing religious freedom. He said the administration had consistently allowed people of all faiths to practise their religion, provided legal norms and public safety requirements were respected. According to him, the government's approach has been to ensure that religious events are conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law. The chief minister cited recent festivals in West Bengal as examples of the administration's stance. He said Bakrid was observed in compliance with laws governing animal slaughter, while Muharram processions were conducted peacefully without the display of prohibited weapons.

He urged citizens to obey the law, act responsibly and treat religion as a personal matter without attempting to create divisions or disrupt public order. The issue has drawn attention because of the unique location of the mosque within the vicinity of one of eastern India's busiest airports. Security at airports is governed by multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and airport authorities, all of which are responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers, aircraft and critical infrastructure. Access to sensitive operational areas is generally regulated through strict pass systems and security clearances.

Political reactions to the controversy are expected to continue, with opposition parties likely to seek further clarification on the reasons behind the restrictions, while the state government maintains that the measures are driven solely by security considerations. No official announcement has indicated that religious practices at the mosque have been permanently prohibited, and the debate has largely centred on access arrangements within the high-security airport zone. The episode highlights the broader challenge of balancing religious access with the security requirements of critical public infrastructure. As discussions continue, authorities are expected to weigh operational security needs alongside legal and administrative considerations, while ensuring that any future decisions remain consistent with existing laws and established airport security protocols.

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