Assam probing Pakistan activist's 18 visits to India: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

GUWAHATI: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday that Pakistani climate activist Ali Tauqeer Sheikh visited India 18 times between 2010 and 2018, while indicating that the state police's investigation into his activities and connections could have serious political repercussions.

"We will know who invited and hosted him during those visits," the CM said, speaking during the assembly session. He said within three months, police would present evidence that could prove "fatal for Congress".

Assam police have initiated a probe against Sheikh under BNS and UAPA for allegedly abetting offences outside India that endanger the country's sovereignty and communal harmony.

Sheikh has been accused of interfering in Assam's internal matters. The controversy stems from his alleged social media activities, which Sarma said focus less on climate action and more on the state's Hindu-Muslim dynamics, issues of immigration, and internal political affairs.

A police SIT has been tasked with uncovering details regarding his activities. The CM also hinted at the possibility of involving NIA if state police reached a dead end in their probe, signalling the national significance of the investigation.

"I promise that we'll break this Ali Tauqeer network and will come back to the assembly in the month of Aug. Give us just three months. We'll come back with facts which will be used. I know the facts, informally. But these facts have to be on record. It will be fatal for Congress. It will shock everyone in Assam," Sarma said.