BY PC Bureau
Confusion over claims made by Sheikh Noorul Hassan, an NPP MLA from Kshetrigao Assembly Constituency in Imphal East, Manipur, that he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by a suspected drug mafia group on Saturday night. The Kshetrigao Assembly Constituency Panchayat Administrative Committee has contested his claims, submitting a memorandum to the Imphal East Deputy Commissioner (DC) on Tuesday, accusing the MLA of firing a gun during a public confrontation and urging action against him.
Hassan, addressing reporters at his residence on Tuesday, described the incident: “It was a deliberate attempt on my life. Around a hundred members of a drug mafia gang attacked me in a coordinated assault, firing gunshots.”
Displaying a minor chest scar from the alleged attack, he explained that the assault took place as he left his sister’s home after a family dinner. According to Hassan, a mob, led by Md Ajmal—a figure reportedly out on bail in NDPS-related cases—had gathered near Kshetrigao High School, close to his residence.
“They charged at me, grabbed my hand, and tried to strangle me. I managed to break free, and my security team stepped in to escort me to safety,” he said. “The mob then threw stones and fired shots, with one attacker pointing a gun at my forehead.” He claimed security personnel fired blank rounds to disperse the crowd, allowing his escape, and noted that street lamps were intentionally switched off, suggesting a premeditated plot. Hassan linked the attack to his prior correspondence with an Imphal East official about verifying construction work at the government-run Kshetrigao High School. A suo moto case has been filed at Porompat police station, and the MLA has lodged a formal complaint.
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In contrast, the Kshetrigao Assembly Constituency Panchayat Administrative Committee submitted a memorandum to the Imphal East DC on Tuesday, demanding action against Hassan for allegedly discharging a firearm during a public altercation on April 5. Following a protest outside the DC office in Porompat, committee president SA Malik called the MLA’s actions “deeply unfortunate” and condemned his use of a weapon among civilians. Ajmal, chairperson of Kshetrigao GP Part 2, also criticized Hassan, arguing that development projects are for public welfare and expressing dismay over the disruption caused by the MLA’s alleged interference and gunfire.
The committee further submitted a memorandum to the Imphal East Superintendent of Police, calling for a thorough probe and rejecting Hassan’s media and social media claims as unfounded.
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Meanwhile, the Youth Athletic Development Association (YADA) condemned Hassan’s recent public statement tying the Yumkhaibam Makha Leikai area to illegal drug trafficking. YADA president Md Hellauddin highlighted the group’s seven-month anti-drug campaign, which he said had effectively cleaned up the area. He labeled the MLA’s remarks as misleading and unfair, accusing him of dredging up irrelevant past events. YADA has demanded an immediate public clarification from Hassan.
