The proposed expansion of the runway at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport has brought the 136-year-old Bankra Mosque into focus.
The West Bengal government has suspended entry passes for congregational prayers at a mosque inside the Kolkata airport. Firming up the West Bengal government’s stand, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the gates of the vital installation that has critical geo-political importance cannot be kept open for outsiders.
The mosque is located within the airport premises, and the government is planning to relocate it to facilitate the airport’s expansion.
Speaking on this, West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya said the matter should not be viewed through a religious lens. “This is not a matter of a temple or a mosque. Even if it were a temple instead of a mosque, it could still be shifted,” he said while speaking to PTI.
Bhattacharya said airport expansion is essential to improve operations and accommodate future growth.
“When visibility drops to zero, flights are unable to land at our Dum Dum Airport. Expansion is necessary. This should not be turned into a temple-mosque dispute. Arrangements for shifting the structure are already being made,” he added.
Airport authorities suspend prayers temporarily
According to PTI report, airport authorities have temporarily suspended congregational prayers at the Bankra Mosque for three days from Saturday.
Officials said the decision was taken as renovation work is being carried out at the shrine.
Suvendu Adhikari cites security concerns
Amid the temporary suspension of congregational prayers at the Bankra Mosque, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said, “National security and security of the airport will gain priority over everything else.”
Referring to the Kolkata airport’s strategic location, he added, “The location of the Kolkata international airport is critical since both China and Bangladesh are close by. It cannot keep its gates open for outsiders,” he told news agency PTI.
