India, July 13 -- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has defended the temporary restrictions on entry to a mosque located within the premises of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, saying national security must take precedence over all other considerations.

Speaking to reporters after attending a BJP organisational meeting in Purba Medinipur on Sunday, Adhikari said the strategic location of Kolkata airport, close to international borders, makes it imperative to maintain strict security protocols.

"National security and the security of the airport will gain priority over everything else. The Kolkata international airport is strategically important because of its proximity to China and Bangladesh. Its gates cannot ...