Guwahati, Feb 8: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi undertook a confidential visit to Pakistan from December 14 to December 24, 2013, raising what he described as serious political and national security questions. Addressing the media, Sarma claimed that Gogoi travelled via Lahore to Islamabad and remained digitally unreachable throughout the duration of the trip.
According to the Chief Minister, Gogoi’s alleged absence from all digital platforms during the visit has triggered concerns about the nature of his engagements in Pakistan. Sarma questioned whether discussions on sensitive subjects such as military strategy, nuclear matters, uranium extraction, western border issues or defence hardware imports may have taken place. He said the matter was particularly concerning as Gogoi was a first-time Member of Parliament at the time. “The people of Assam deserve clarity on what transpired during that visit,” Sarma stated, insisting that such issues cannot be left unanswered.
Sarma also drew attention to the alleged links between Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth Gogoi, and Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh. He claimed that Elizabeth was associated with organisations named Lead India and Lead Pak, and alleged that an agreement existed under which, despite being employed by Lead India, she was managed by Lead Pak. The Chief Minister said these associations further added to the seriousness of the issue.
The Assam Chief Minister further alleged that during the previous Congress-led government at the Centre, Ali Tauqeer Sheikh was permitted to visit India on 13 occasions and maintained close interactions with the Gogoi family. He claimed that such visits were discontinued after the current government came to power, suggesting that the matter had drawn official scrutiny.
Sarma also alleged that Elizabeth Gogoi declined to respond to questions regarding where Gaurav Gogoi stayed during his reported Pakistan visit. He implied that this silence raised the possibility of Gogoi being present in Islamabad, which houses Pakistan’s military headquarters. Emphasising the need for transparency, the Chief Minister said the public has a right to know the full facts surrounding the allegations and the circumstances of the visit.
