Guwahati: Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said the state government would boost development in Dima Hasao district and turn the scenic Umrangso into an international tourist destination.

Attending a programme on the 168th birth anniversary of Dimasa freedom fighter Veer Sambudhan Phonglo at Dishru field in Maibang town, Sonowal said he was hopeful about development of the district.

He said the state government will set up a training centre for Assam Civil Services cadres at Umrangso.

The government has already announced a horticultural college in Dima Hasao and a BEd College at Maibang in the state budget for 2018-19, he added.

The chief minister paid floral tribute to Phonglo, who belonged to the Dimasa community. Phonglo was born on March 16, 1850, in Longkhor village, near Maibang.

He led the movement against the atrocities towards the local people by the British and fought relentlessly for the cause of his native land.

Sonowal handed over an honorarium cheque to the village chief and felicitated Pranab Langthasa, who has won the Mr Asia 1st runner up title in Thailand recently.

North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council's chief executive member Debolal Gorlosa, Haflong MLA B.B. Hagjer and Sorbhog MLA and Housefed chairman Ranjeet Dass attended the event.

Earlier, Sonowal unveiled the statue of Veer Dimalik Kemprai placed near the junction of Maibang town.