Guwahati: The North Eastern Council (NEC), a key agency for the socio-economic development of India’s northeastern region, has withdrawn its recently published ‘Vision Plan 2047’ following the discovery of a significant factual error regarding the migration of the Kuki (Chin) community.
The document erroneously stated that the Kukis (Chin) originated from the “Chin State of Manipur,” rather than from Myanmar’s Chin State, as is historically accurate.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced the withdrawal of the document via his official Facebook page.
He stated that the error was promptly brought to the attention of the Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, who oversaw the retraction of the document.
The error was found in Chapter 3 of the document, titled ‘Art, Culture and Natural Heritage.’
The Chin State, which is located in neighboring Myanmar, shares an international border with the Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram.
According to UNICEF, Chin State is one of the least developed regions in Myanmar, with alarmingly high poverty rates and widespread food insecurity.
The incorrect information in the NEC’s vision document sparked criticism, especially given the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.
The state has been grappling with violent clashes between the Meitei community, predominantly from the valley, and the Kuki tribes, who are primarily from the hills.
The conflict, which erupted over a year ago, has led to the deaths of over 220 people and displaced nearly 50,000 residents.
The error has added to the existing tensions, as the Manipur government has previously pointed to illegal immigration from Myanmar as a major factor behind the violence.
The Kukis, who share ethnic ties with the Chin people of Myanmar and Mizoram, have been advocating for a separate administration, citing long-standing grievances over discrimination and resource allocation by the dominant Meitei community.
The North Eastern Council, established in 1971, plays a crucial role in the planning and development of the region.
Its previous strategic document, ‘Vision 2020,’ was prepared in 2008 and aimed to foster peace, strength, and economic integration with the global economy by 2020.
