Assam Cabinet Takes Decisive Action on Sensitive SIT Report Regarding Pakistani National's Activities
The Assam state cabinet has taken significant steps regarding the sensitive Special Investigation Team (SIT) report concerning Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh's alleged anti-India activities. In a crucial development on Tuesday, the cabinet directed the state home and political department to prepare and present a formal cabinet memorandum on February 7, which will outline the specific further actions the government intends to pursue based on the investigation findings.
Direct Pakistan Links Alleged Against Three Individuals
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that the SIT investigation has uncovered what he described as direct Pakistan links involving three specific individuals. According to the chief minister's statement, the SIT presented evidence connecting Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, along with Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi, and his wife Elizabeth Gogoi to these alleged connections.
"In the cabinet, the SIT gave proof of a direct Pakistan link of 3 people — Ali Taqeer Sheikh, Elizabeth Gogoi and Gaurav Gogoi. Our cabinet ministers were quite surprised after seeing the presentation," Sarma stated during his briefing to the press.
Cabinet Authorization for Further Disclosure
The cabinet has granted specific authorization to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also serves as the home minister, to reveal appropriate details from the SIT report during a scheduled press conference on February 8 at 10:30 am. This strategic decision allows for controlled dissemination of information while maintaining necessary confidentiality around sensitive aspects of the investigation.
"The cabinet also authorised the chief minister, in his capacity as home minister, to reveal whatever was possible before the press on Feb 8 at 10:30 am," Sarma explained, emphasizing that "for common people, this will be a very important sensitive document."
Potential Escalation to National Agencies
A critical decision expected in the February 7 cabinet memorandum will be whether the state home department recommends transferring the case to national investigative agencies. The cabinet will determine if the matter should be escalated to either the National Investigation Agency (NIA) or the Union Home Ministry for further action at the national level.
"Whether the state home department wants to hand over the case to NIA or the Union home ministry will be mentioned in the cabinet decision on Feb 7," Sarma clarified, adding that "after Feb 8, it will be up to government of India to take the case ahead."
Background of the SIT Investigation
The state cabinet originally constituted this Special Investigation Team on February 17 last year with the specific mandate to investigate anti-India activities allegedly conducted by Sheikh and his associates. The formation of the SIT represented a significant step in addressing security concerns related to foreign nationals' activities within the state.
Additional Cabinet Decisions Announced
Alongside the crucial SIT-related decisions, the Assam cabinet approved several other significant measures during Tuesday's session:
- Medical Benefits for Panchayat Members: The cabinet decided to extend medical reimbursement and cashless treatment benefits to panchayat members across the state, a move expected to benefit approximately 30,000 panchayat representatives.
- Employment Registration for Moran Community: The cabinet approved special provisions allowing members of the Moran community living in Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam to register with Employment Exchanges in Tinsukia District, provided they possess valid Permanent Residence Certificates and OBC certificates issued by the Assam government.
- Reservation for Chutia Community: The cabinet approved an executive order reserving one post each in ACS Junior Grade and APS Junior Grade recruitment for the Chutia community within the OBC quota, applicable for the next five Combined Competitive Examinations.
- NABARD Loan Approval: The cabinet sanctioned raising a loan amounting to Rs. 200.36 crore from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to fund 27 projects under RIDF-XXXI, focusing on animal husbandry, veterinary services, and border protection and development departments.
These comprehensive decisions reflect the Assam government's multifaceted approach to governance, addressing both critical security concerns through the SIT report formalization and implementing progressive social welfare measures for various community groups across the state.
