New Delhi: The North Eastern Council (NEC), a key agency for the socio-economic development of Indias northeast region, recently withdrew its Vision Plan 2047 after it contained a factual error regarding the migration of the Kuki (Chin) community. The document incorrectly stated that the Kukis migrated from the Chin State of Manipur, instead of Myanmar. The vision plan was retracted following strong criticism and concerns raised on social media.N Biren Singh and the dilemma Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced the withdrawal of the document through his official Facebook page. According to the Chief Minister, the matter was immediately flagged to the Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, who ensured that the document was withdrawn. The factual error was found in Chapter 3 of the document, under the section titled Art, Culture, and Natural Heritage. Chin State, located in neighboring Myanmar, shares an international border with the Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram. The region, as per UNICEF, remains one of Myanmars least developed areas, with high poverty levels and significant food insecurity.Kuki trouble The withdrawal comes at a sensitive time, as Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic conflicts for over a year. Clashes between the valley-dominant Meitei community and various Kuki tribes have led to over 220 deaths and the displacement of nearly 50,000 people. The controversy over the erroneous statement adds fuel to ongoing tensions, particularly about illegal immigration from Myanmar, which the Manipur government has cited as a contributing factor to the unrest.The NECs previous document, Vision 2020, was released in 2008 with the goal of achieving peace and economic stability in the region. The current retraction highlights the importance of accuracy in official reports, particularly in a volatile socio-political environment.
