Northeast 'Vision Plan 2047' withdrawn due to factual error over Chin State

A key vision document outlining the future development of the northeastern region, titled 'Vision Plan 2047,' has been withdrawn after a significant factual error was discovered.

The North Eastern Council (NEC), responsible for the document, mistakenly stated that the Kukis (Chin) originated from the "Chin State of Manipur" instead of Myanmar's Chin State.

The error was located in Chapter 3 of the document, which focused on "Art, Culture, and Natural Heritage." This mistake prompted immediate action from Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who raised the issue with Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Following this, the vision document was withdrawn.

Chief Minister Biren Singh confirmed the withdrawal on his official Facebook page, noting that the matter had been swiftly addressed after consultation with Minister Scindia. The NEC's error drew criticism on social media, especially given the ongoing tensions in Manipur, which has been struggling to return to normalcy after over a year of ethnic clashes between the valley - dominant Meitei community and the Kuki tribes.

The Kukis, who share ethnic ties with people in Myanmar's Chin State and Mizoram, have been at the center of ongoing disputes in Manipur. The Meitei community, which constitutes the majority in the valley, has been pushing for inclusion under the Scheduled Tribes category. Meanwhile, the Kuki tribes are advocating for a separate administration, citing discrimination and unequal distribution of resources and power.

The situation in Manipur has been tense, with over 220 people losing their lives and nearly 50,000 displaced due to the violence. The NEC's error in the document further exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread criticism during an already sensitive time.

The North Eastern Council, established in 1971, has previously released a document titled 'Vision 2020' in 2008, which aimed for peace and economic integration in the region by 2020. The 'Vision Plan 2047' was intended to build on these goals, but the error led to its retraction before further progress could be made.