Imphal, December 18: Sections of the police officers in Manipur are violating laws, said Governor Ved Marwah while addressing a seminar on 'Community Policing and Crime Prevention: Approaches and Strategies' organized by the State Police Department at the 1st MR banquet hall today.

Admitting that some police officers are violating laws, the Governor said a police officer refused to hold a probe into the death of a police officer's escort in a fake encounter saying it will demoralize the police force.

The seminar was attended by top ranking police officials, representatives of voluntary organizations and public leaders.

Terming the strained relation between the police and public as unfortunate, the Governor said police can perform its duties successfully when it earns full cooperation and confidence of the public.

No one is above the law, he said adding the police should function as per the law of the land.

He blamed what he called a "handful of people" for the present chaotic situation in the State.

The public want return of peace, the Governor said calling for joint effort of the police and the masses to contain law violators and those disturbing peace.

The Governor hoped that people will cooperate with the police in conducting a smooth polling in the forthcoming Manipur Assembly elections.

The Governor also called for a concerted effort for cleaning and beautifying Imphal city.

He said Imphal has become the dirtiest city in the entire North East.

Insurgency coupled with extortion on the national highways has arrested development works, Marwah said adding the prevailing situation has scared away investors from outside.

The Governor termed today's bandh against shifting of SSB as unreasonable.

The Governor urged the people to investigate the source of income of bureaucrat officers who have constructed palatial buildings.

The DGP said insurgency, socio-economic and political developments and ethnic division in the North East has complicated further the problem of policing.

Unless the community stands united with the police, the police can not provide an environment free from violence and insecurity.

The programme was presided over by Advisor to the Governor EN Rammohon and human rights activist Haseena Kharbhih was the chief guest.

The seminar is aimed at improving police-community, understanding, bringing policing partnership with the community, changes in the attitude of police, changes in the attitude and responses of the community towards laws and their fellow citizens.

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