Guwahati, Feb 13: The parents of Kargil war hero Captain Jintu Gogoi on February 13 voiced deep concern over reports of Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi’s prior visits to Pakistan, calling the trips distressing for families who have lost their children defending the nation. Captain Jintu Gogoi was martyred during the 1999 Kargil War.
Thogiram Gogoi, the slain officer’s father, stated that anyone found conspiring against the country must be treated as a traitor, regardless of their position or background. “Pakistan is treated as an enemy country, and this must be looked into by the Central government,” he said, emphasising the seriousness of alleged links with the neighbouring nation.
Duluprabha Gogoi, mother of the fallen soldier, expressed personal hurt over the reports, questioning Gaurav Gogoi’s visits and involvement. She said, “Gaurav Gogoi should not have visited Pakistan. Assam belongs to us; he should stay here and work for Assam. His father did good work. He, too, should act like his father. They had killed my son. So, Gaurav Gogoi should not visit there.”
The remarks come amid an escalating political controversy after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report on Gogoi’s alleged links to Pakistan would be amended and referred to the Union government for further scrutiny. Gaurav Gogoi had publicly acknowledged visiting Rawalpindi during a press conference on February 9, prompting a response from the Chief Minister.
Earlier, Gogoi refuted allegations of “Pakistan links” and sought judicial intervention, urging the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance against the Chief Minister for allegedly disclosing personal details about his family. Sarma had released SIT findings suggesting connections between Gogoi, his British wife Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi, and a Pakistani national—claims strongly denied by the Congress leader.
Speaking at a press briefing in Guwahati, Gogoi criticised the Chief Minister for sharing personal family information and described the allegations as baseless, asserting that the matter had created unnecessary controversy. The political exchange has intensified in the run-up to Assam’s upcoming elections, drawing national attention to the issue.
