Newmai News Network Imphal | September 27 Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh appealed the people of the State to join their hands together to make bandh and blockade free Manipur. This appeal was made while attending the World Tourism Day held at Marjing Polo Complex, Heingang, Imphal East today. The Chief Minister said, "Let’s not forget that the bandhs and blockades severely affect the day to day lives of thousands of families in the State". Asking people to refrain from bandhs and blockades, the Chief Minister said that the Government is open to have a dialogue with the students and other stakeholders anytime. Biren then said that the State government was compelled to take action against those students and teachers who were mentioned in the FIR report. "The raid was conducted with proper decency with district magistrate and concerned superintendent of police including women police to arrest the culprits who were involved in assaulting the Pro Vice Chancellor and the Registrar of Manipur University," Biren claimed. "Due to the responsibility of being a Chief Minister and Home Minister, it was mandatory to maintain the law and order situation", he added. Claiming that there has been a drastic economic development in the last 18 months, the Chief Minister said, based on the report of NABARD, that there is economic boom in the State with a steep increase from 8 percent to 200 percent in economic activities in the State. He stated that the present government is committed to improve the lives of the people of the State. Mentioning that Manipur has lot of potential in tourism sector, the Chief Minister reiterated that the world recognises Manipur as the birthplace of modern polo. "A good hospitality is a must to boost our tourism sector in the State", he further stated. Biren also said that the State has a lot of potential to showcase our unique cultural heritage, natural and scenic beauty to the outside world. Biren then said that a statue of a pony would be erected at the top of the Marjing Hill. "This statue would be the second tallest statue in the North East India after the statue to Buddha of Sikkim", he said. Biren mentioned that a sum of Rs 15 crores has already been sanctioned for the construction of ‘Imphal View’ tower at Langol Hills. "Rope-way service would be made available from Marjing Hill to Langol Hill to attract more tourists in the region," he added. The Chief Minister then announced that the prince of Thailand would be visiting the State during the upcoming Manipur Sangai Festival 2018 which would be held in November this year. He also said that a Heritage Park having traditional houses of all the 33 recognised tribes and other communities of the state would be developed at Keibul Lamjao. "Manipur Cherry Blossom Festival will be a part of the Manipur Sangai Festival from this season", he added. Light and sound show at Kangla would be shown to public twice a week soon, he further added. According to Biren, Kangkhui Cave of the Ukhrul district would be developed as a major tourist destination at an estimated cost of Rs. 7.5 crore. Similarly, Tharon Cave would also be developed as tourist destination, he added.