Mumbai, Oct 22 (PTI) Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya on Thursday announced a ‘hammer’ rally on October 24 to seek the demolition of an “illegal” mosque near Terminal 2 of Mumbai international airport, adding that the structure’s presence near a sensitive airport facility raises security concerns.
Somiaya, who held a protest march near T2 terminal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) during the day, alleged the mosque was constructed illegally in a sensitive security zone near the VIP arrival gate and taxi stand.
“The mosque’s presence near a sensitive airport facility raises security concerns,” he alleged.
He also questioned why authorities had not taken action against the structure despite correspondence with government agencies and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
In a legal notice dated October 14, addressed to Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd (MIAL) chief administrative officer Vishnu Jha, Somaiya, through his advocate Jitendra G Sharma, sought urgent action for the removal of the mosque near the VIP arrival and taxi stand of Terminal 2.
The notice referred to a complaint submitted by Somaiya on September 5, alleging that the mosque was located about 50 metres from the VIP arrival gate in a sensitive security area.
The notice claimed the air-conditioned structure covered approximately 2,000 square feet and was situated near the VIP arrival gate, parking area and cool-cab parking.
According to the notice, the MMRDA had written to MIAL on September 8, referring to the complaint and seeking the removal of the structure.
The notice claimed MMRDA had clarified it had not granted permission for the mosque and that the notified area’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) did not provide for or designate any site for a place of public worship.
The notice further stated that, under the provisions of the Mumbai airport’s notified area development framework, MIAL was solely responsible for planning, development, construction and maintenance, including infrastructure and aeronautical facilities.
Somaiya’s lawyer said the former MP had pursued the matter with the concerned authorities and annexed the correspondence to the notice.
The legal communication urged MIAL to take strict and urgent action, warning that any failure to act could leave the company and the officials concerned responsible for a subsequent contingency. PTI ND BNM
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.