GUWAHATI, Feb 16: The Assam government has ordered an investigation into Elizabeth Colburn, the British wife of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, over her alleged association with a Pakistani official. The move, announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has raised questions about national security, foreign influence in Indian politics, and potential diplomatic ramifications involving the UK and Pakistan.
The Cabinet however decided not to register any case against the parliamentarian or his British spouse but instructed the DGP to file an FIR against Pakistan national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh. Sarma on Saturday said a police case was likely to be registered and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe into the allegations of Pakistan links of Colburn.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government will write to the Centre to probe Gogoi’s wife Elizabeth Colburn’s participation in Lok Sabha campaigns in the erstwhile Kaliabor constituency, which was won by the Congress MP twice, despite being a British citizen.
“Multiple news reports, social media posts and other information in the public domain have surfaced regarding certain comments made by a Pakistan national, Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, aimed at disrupting communal harmony in Assam,” stated the cabinet resolution, read out to the media by Sarma.
According to Sarma, Pakistani national Ali Touki Sheikh has made statements on India’s internal affairs, particularly regarding Assam, raising concerns about external interference. Sheikh, who has held advisory roles within the Pakistani government, reportedly has links to Colbur through “Lead Pakistan,” an organization focused on climate policy.
The cabinet expects this matter to be pursued with utmost seriousness in the interest of India’s security and sovereignty. It notes that Assam has historically remained a hotspot for ISI-sponsored activities, necessitating heightened vigilance and decisive action,” Sarma while reading the resolution.
While Colbur is a British citizen, her marriage to an Indian MP and alleged participation in election campaigns in Assam have drawn attention. Indian visa rules prohibit foreign nationals from engaging in political activities, and the Assam government has flagged potential violations. The Centre may now decide whether her visa status needs review.
The Chief Minister also pointed to MP Gaurav Gogoi’s past inquiries in Parliament regarding India’s nuclear security, uranium reserves in Meghalaya, and foreign collaborations in nuclear research.
While the Assam government has framed this as a matter of national security, the involvement of a British national could attract scrutiny from the UK. If London takes a position on the case, it could become a diplomatic issue. Meanwhile, any response from Pakistan regarding Sheikh’s alleged role could further complicate the situation.
He also stated that a letter would be sent to Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Bhupen Kumar Borah, clarifying that the investigation was purely for national security and not politically motivated.
“If a British or Pakistani national is trying to interfere with India’s sovereignty under the guise of climate activism, we must act decisively. National security cannot be compromised, regardless of political affiliations,” Sarma said.
With Congress being formally notified about the investigation, the case is expected to escalate into a political flashpoint. The BJP-led Assam government insists the probe is not politically motivated, but with national elections approaching, the opposition is likely to push back against what it sees as an attempt to target its leaders.
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