‘USTM Built With Al Qaeda-Linked Funds,’ Alleges Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday launched a blistering attack on the privately run University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), alleging that the institution was established using funds linked to an organisation associated with the terror outfit Al Qaeda.

Urging people to disassociate themselves from the university, Sarma specifically appealed to Assam’s Sanatani community to refrain from enrolling in USTM or “patronising” the institution, which is located on the outskirts of Guwahati.

“I have repeatedly said that USTM is an institution built on fraud. Now, after the arrest of this woman, her association has quietly been erased from the university’s website,” the Chief Minister said, responding to questions about the recent arrest of a Guwahati-based woman by Delhi Police. The woman was apprehended while travelling in a vehicle bearing forged diplomatic registration plates and was reportedly linked to USTM.

Sarma claimed that the woman’s profile had been removed from the varsity’s official website following her arrest, further raising suspicions about the institution’s functioning. He reiterated his long-standing allegations against USTM and its chancellor, Mahbabul Hoque, whom he had earlier accused of orchestrating what he termed “flood jihad” against Guwahati.

According to the Chief Minister, the funds used to establish the university originated from an organisation with alleged terror links. “We have complete information about the source of the money. That is why I am repeatedly urging people to stop supporting USTM,” Sarma said.

He went on to caution students about the credibility of degrees awarded by the institution. “I request members of the Sanatani society of Assam not to pursue their studies at USTM. There is a risk that certificates issued by the university may become irrelevant in the future,” he warned.

The Chief Minister also referred to multiple allegations against Hoque, including claims of forging his Other Backward Classes (OBC) certificate. Sarma further stated that Hoque had been arrested several times in connection with various cases registered across the state, including those related to alleged promises of facilitating unfair means during examinations.

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