Boundaries of Manipur : Some observation
- Part 1 -

Dr. RK Ranjan Singh *

Indo-Myanmar border near Moreh (border pillar #79 and #81 covering a distance of 10 Kms) in July 2013 :: Pix - Somerendro Sorokhaibam

Changes in the function of boundaries throughout history help to illuminate differences in the nature and patterns of interaction of different domestic and international systems. However, boundaries are virtually observing as universal recognition of territorial sovereignty and an organising principle of international politics. On the other hand, because of the growth of trans-national relation and interdependencies, there is a tendency toward erosion of the exclusively associated with the traditional notion of territoriality.

On-going process of globalisation, free trade, regionalism and regional cooperation, the existence of boundaries and functional qualities were neglecting. But still then to protect a nation and its identities as a country or a nation state or communities, at least a well-recognised territorial boundary is essential. As for example, the native state of Manipur had existed for two millennia and her independent and sovereign status had been given international recognition since 1726 A.D. and 1826 A.D. onwards with the emergence of the modern nation system in the world.

However, the territorial boundary of Manipur has been fluctuated from time to time through a series of historical events, malpractices and processes. In this context we may recall some of the historical description of boundaries of Manipur as follows:

Status in 1475-1749: The available records shows that Maharaja Kyamba the Kyamlamjao (Kabaw Valley) was within the territory of the then Manipur (1475 t0 1714). Then during the reigned of Maharaja Pamheiba (Gaurabniwas 1714-1749) the frontiers of Manipur extended up to the confluence of the Chindwin and the Irrawaddy River of the present Myanmar.

The Anglo-Manipuri defence treaty of 1762 affirms that Manipur’s territory extends deep into Burma and even up to the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. Status in 1832-1835:

"The territories of Muneepoor have fluctuated at various times with the fortunes of their princes, frequently extending three or four days journey east beyond the Ningthee or Khyendwen River, and west to the plains of Cachar. Its present boundaries, as far as they have been fixed are, on the west, the Jeeree River, from its sources to its confluence with the Barak, and from this point, south, to the north of the Chikoo or Tooyaee, a nullah, which flowing from lofty ranges bordering on the Tripurah country, falls into the Barak at the southern extremity of a range of mountains........

The confluence of the Tooyaee with the Barak......., as it marks the union of boundary of no less than three states, those of Muneepoor, Cachar and Tripurah. From this point, the southern boundary of the Muneepoor Territory is very irregular and ill defined" (Report on The Eastern Frontier of British India- Cap.R.B. Pemberton-1835).

The territorial possession of Manipur in the north extended far and wide. Even in 1832 the Government of Bengal inclined to make over the whole of Sadiya regions to Gambhir Singh, the then Raja of Manipur. In the same year Gambhir Singh, accompanied by Lieutenant Gordon, the then Adjutant, Manipur Levy, reduced to submission the Angami Nagas. Records show the fact that in 1835 the forest between Doyeng and Dhunsiri formed the boundary between Manipur and Assam (Lahiri, R.M., Annexation of Burma, P. 110).

In 1842 a kind of vague boundary, between Manipur and Naga Hills, was laid down by Lieutenant Bigge from the British side and Captain Gordon as the representative of the Government of Manipur.

But after the Treaty of Peace signed at Yandabo, 24th February 1826

(A) Burma also ceded the province of Tenasserim, thereby restricting Burmese access to the sea to the Irrawaddy delta area and also recognition of Manipur an independent native State. However, difficulties over the boundary of Manipur, did not end with the signing of the treaty.

(B) Agreement regarding the Kabaw Valley negotiated at Sunnyachi GhatJanuary 9, 1834. In this year the British agreed to return the Kabaw valley to Burma. Commissioners sent in 1833 negotiated an agreement delimiting the boundary along the foothills of the ranges to the west of the Kabaw valley. With later refinements, this boundary line has become a part of the present border. The boundary is referred to as Pemberton Line, named for the junior British Commissioner.

In 1894, the Manipur – Chin Hills boundary was demarcated, and in 1896 Col. Maxwell redemarcated the Pemberton – Johnstone area, placing thirty-eight pillars on the ground.

This has been referred to by number in the 1967 agreement After Sunnyachi Ghat January 9, 1834 Burmese were allowed to occupy the Kabaw Valley with payment of Rs. 6000 per annum to Manipur. (In 1953, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru allows to discontinue the payment of Kabaw valley to Manipur.) Since then the map of Manipur has been drastically receded to the western foothill of the Kyam Lamjao (Kabaw Valley).

After the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 the territorial boundary was made a significant change as per the administrative continence of the British. Subsequently, in the year 1894 the Somra Track of Manipur along with 12 villages of Tangkhul was handed over to Burma (Somra, Phungret, Ngachand, Hingkok, Chakprum, Tonsa, Mayanglong, Leiyung, Kongailong, Koki, Numityungbi and Leishi).

Manipur signed the merger agreement on 21st September, 1949 and 15th October 1950 the native state of Manipur is under the Dominion of India. The protection and control of the territorial boundary of the state is as per desired of Government of India. Then the Survey of India makes changed places name and boundary against the interest of the people of Manipur, creating series of conflicts with the neighbouring state and country. Endless boundary dispute are lingering in the areas of Dzuku Valley, Tungjoi of Senapati, Jessami and Wahong of Ukhrul with Nagaland and Jiri River ofJiribam of Imphal East District with Assam.

Further, Molcham in Chandel, Charo Khunou in Ukhrul the Imphal have been conflicting with Burma (Myanmar). In this context we may recall some of the comment made by Late Shreejut Maharajkumar Prya Brata Singh (Chief Minister 1948-49) that at the beginning of his tenure the then Burmese Army fixed their Flag just at the point of the present Custom Office at Moreh. He asked the Burmese troop to remove the flag immediately. After that the troop removed the flag and then fixed on the left bank of the Lokchao River where the present Burmese immigration office is now located.

India-Burma Boundary Agreement:

The Burma-India Boundary has been delimited in great detail by a bilateral treaty signed at Rangoon on March 10, 1967, and delimited the international boundary between the two countries without respecting the native peoples and their villages on the spot. On the spot demarcation for negotiation and agreement there was a not representative from the concerned state. However, it is said that the 1967 boundary follows the "traditional" line between the two countries while rendering with precision two formerly identified areas. Almost 60 per cent of the 1,643 kilometre long boundary follows water divides, both major and minor, while nearly one-third coincides with median lines of frontier streams and rivers.

The remainder of the border comprises straight line between the previously established boundary pillars. However, Kangpat Khullen Villagers (00195100 Location Code of 2011 Census) reported that the present BP no. 94, 95, 96 and 97 were erected against the traditional boundary line by the Burmese Army. As a result five villages namely Mantaoram, Cheiteram, Sekawaram, Sanamram and karatram have been included in the Burmese territory. After the signed of India and Burma boundary agreement then formally delimit and demarcated the entire boundary between two countries. Both the government again rectified the Agreement and the Instruments of Ratification were exchanged in New Delhi on 30th May 1967. Soon after, there was disagreement on the position of Moreh, which Burma claimed, later solved by mutual discussion.

To be continued...