Imphal, November 20: The State Government has earmarked Rs 145 crores for the development of Kangla as a world heritage park, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has stated.

The Chief Minister has also called upon the people to stop the culture of calling bandh or blockade over any demand.

Speaking as chief guest of the 2nd Kangla Day observance function held at Kangla Hall here today, the Chief Minister said although it has been learnt "from our forefathers that there are in all 108 sacred sites inside Kangla, difficulty is being faced in identifying all these sites as of now." Nonetheless, the Government has been trying its best to identify all these sacred sites and develop Kangla as a world heritage park, he added.

The Chief Minister said after Kangla was dedicated to the people, the State Government has so far spent around Rs 5-6 crores for its development.

The meeting of the Kangla Fort Board is also being convened frequently to monitor the progress of the work, he said, adding that the Government has also earmarked Rs 145 crores for the development of Kangla from the amount sanctioned for Imphal City development Plant under the Central scheme of Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewable Development Mission.

Coming out strongly against the culture of calling bandh and blockade over any demand by sundry organisations, the Chief Minister said even if it is the democratic rights of the people to raise their voice and air grievances, calling bandh or blockade to press demands should be avoided as far as possible.

It is the common people and specially the daily wage earners who have to bear the brunt of such agitation, he remarked.

The Chief Minister further said Government is always ready to consider the rightful demands of the people.

So the people or the organisations should first try to analyse whether the demands being raised by them is justifiable or not before taking up the cudgel of launching agitation.

On the demand of All Tribal Students' Union (ATSUM), the Chief Minister said except for the demand of reservation of seats, all other demands of the student bodies have been conceded.

The demand for reservation of seats too is in the stage of discussion as the Governor has referred the matter for re-discussion.

So in such a situation, going ahead with imposition of the economic blockade is rather hasty, he added.

Art and Culture Minister P Parijat presided over the function organised by Kangla Fort Board.

Board members MLA RK Theko and MLA O Joy were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.

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