The West Bengal government has stopped issuing entry passes to the 136-year-old Gauripur Jame Masjid at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, citing the facility’s geopolitical sensitivity and national security concerns.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari underlined on Sunday that national security is supreme, noting that the airport’s location is critical due to its proximity to both China and Bangladesh, reports NDTV.
He said the airport “cannot keep its gates open for outsiders” and that security must take priority over all other considerations.
The suspension of entry passes, which took effect on Saturday, has resulted in the halting of congregational prayers at the mosque.
Police and security guards have been deployed at the site to maintain social harmony following the decision.
Sourav Sikdar, the BJP MLA for Dum Dum Uttar, alleged that the mosque is situated within a “Level 3” highest-security area that handles VVIP movements, including those of the prime minister and chief minister.
Sikdar claimed that worshippers were previously allowed to enter without biometric passes or background verification, creating a “potential security concern”.
Beyond security, authorities noted that the mosque’s proximity to the airport’s smaller second runway has stalled expansion work and poses a physical risk to aircraft, particularly when the main runway is closed for maintenance.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar supported the suspension, stating that the mosque will be relocated to facilitate runway construction.
Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh echoed this, stating there was “no justification” for the mosque’s location within the runway area and expressing belief that the site would be vacated for extension work.
However, the move has been opposed by Siddiqullah Chowdhury, president of the mosque committee and a former minister, who pointed out the mosque’s 136-year history.
He argued that entry for prayer should not have been stopped while ongoing discussions for an “amicable solution” were still underway with airport and government authorities.
Chief Minister Adhikari clarified that the government has not stopped anyone from practising their religion, urging citizens to obey the law and treat religion as a personal matter to ensure everything runs smoothly.
