Authorities have imposed a ban on prayers at the 136-year-old Gauripur Jama Masjid, located near the second runway of Kolkata Airport. The restriction led former state minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury to call for demonstrations on Friday. To maintain order, Section 163 was enforced in the airport area from Friday morning, with additional police and central forces deployed, along with water cannons.

The Bidhannagar Police announced through loudspeakers that gatherings of more than four people would not be allowed, warning of legal action for violations. Security forces have cordoned off the mosque’s entrance and surrounding areas, preventing any unauthorized assembly. The situation has created tension in nearby localities such as Birati and Bankra.

Airport authorities have claimed that the mosque’s location within the airport premises poses a risk to aircraft operations, which reportedly prompted the restriction on prayers.