Cong smells rat over NEC Vision Plan goof-up
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 19 2024:
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra has expressed deep concern and outrage over the mention of "Chin State of Manipur" in the draft NEC Vision Plan 2047 .
In a press briefing held at Rajiv Bhavan in Guwahati, Meghachandra likened inclusion of the said words as a serious threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur, which has been embroiled in turmoil for the 15 months.
Meghachandra also accused the Prime Minister and the union minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) of adding fuel to the ongoing conflict by allowing such a reference in the draft document.
He emphasised that Manipur has already been suffering from prolonged unrest and cautioned that inclusion of the term "Chin State of Manipur" in the NEC Vision Plan could exacerbate the situation.
He highlighted the efforts of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who visited the state three times since May 3, 2023, to meet with the people and address their grievances.
In contrast, Meghachandra criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur or meeting the people despite the escalating crisis.
While questioning why the Prime Minister has been unresponsive to the state's plight and ignoring an appeal from Rahul Gandhi on August 15, to visit the state.
The Congress leader opined that inclusion of "Chin State of Manipur" in the draft document could be part of a hidden agenda by the BJP government to disintegrate Manipur.
He demanded Prime Minister Modi to issue an official statement clarifying that there will be no creation of such a state and that Manipur's territorial integrity will remain intact.
Meghachandra also questioned the role of DoNER minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, and advised the latter to resign for allowing such a term to appear in the draft.
He expressed disbelief that the draft, expected to be released within three months, would have included what he described as a "dangerous dream" of creating a Chin State at the cost of Manipur's historic boundaries.
Mention may be made that the North Eastern Council (NEC), a key agency for the socio-economic development of the north-eastern region, has withdrawn its recently published 'Vision Plan 2047' following the discovery of a significant factual error regarding the migration of the Kuki (Chin) community.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.
Chief minister N Biren announced the withdrawal of the document via his official Facebook page.
He stated that the error was promptly brought to the attention of the DoNER minister, 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 neighbouring Myanmar, shares an international border with 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 error has added to the existing tensions, as the government of Manipur had been pointing 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 .
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