NEC Withdraws Vision Plan 2047 Over Controversial Error on Kuki Origin

The North Eastern Council (NEC) recently found itself in a sensitive situation after an error in its draft "Vision Plan 2047" document led to widespread criticism. The issue arose when the draft mentioned that the Kuki community migrated from the “Chin State of Manipur.” This error led to a significant backlash, particularly from Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who addressed the issue publicly through a Facebook post.

The NEC’s "Vision Plan 2047," a comprehensive 664-page document, aimed to outline the developmental aspirations for the eight northeastern states until 2047, when India marks its 100th year of independence. However, a factual error in Chapter 3, titled “Art, Culture, Natural Heritage,” incorrectly stated that the Kukis migrated from the “Chin State of Manipur.” This misrepresentation conflated the Chin State of Myanmar with Manipur and incorrectly categorized the Kukis' origins.

In response to this error, Chief Minister Biren Singh brought the matter to the attention of Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Union Minister for the Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). Following this intervention, the NEC swiftly withdrew the document.

The Kuki Community and Regional Context

The Kuki, Zomi, Chin, and Hmar communities are indigenous to Manipur and other parts of the northeastern region. These communities share ethnic, cultural, and traditional ties with the Mizos of Mizoram, as well as groups in Myanmar and Bangladesh. The contentious statement in the document highlighted the complex interplay of identities and migration histories in the region, making the error particularly sensitive.

Chin State, located in Myanmar, shares an international border with Manipur and Mizoram. The draft document’s incorrect mention sparked concerns, as the region's history and ethnic diversity are delicate topics. The northeastern region is home to more than 200 ethnic and tribal communities, with over 35% of Manipur’s 2.72 million population being tribal. These 34 different communities, comprising both tribal and non-tribal groups, contribute to the region's rich cultural tapestry.

The North Eastern Council’s Role

The NEC, established under the North Eastern Council Act of 1971, is a statutory advisory body that came into existence on November 7, 1972. Headquartered in Shillong, Meghalaya, the NEC plays a pivotal role as the nodal agency for the socio-economic development of the northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. The Union Home Minister serves as the ex-officio Chairman, while the DoNER Minister is the ex-officio Vice-Chairman of the council.

The draft “Vision Plan 2047” was intended to guide development policies and strategies for the northeastern states over the next few decades. However, the misrepresentation regarding the Kukis highlights the importance of accuracy and cultural sensitivity when discussing the region’s diverse communities.

The withdrawal of the document serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in planning for such a culturally rich and diverse region. As the NEC works towards revising the vision plan, it is expected that more attention will be given to historical and cultural details to avoid such controversies in the future.