MP Sanajaoba calls for reclaiming Kabaw Valley
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 10 2025: Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba Leishemba on Monday proposed reclamation of the Kabaw Valley to Manipur, India, and called upon the government to examine the feasibility of its return or the continuation of pending compensation payments.

Highlighting the historical background, he reminded the Parliament that Kabaw Valley, a resourceful and fertile landmass of nearly 22,210 sq km, had been an integral part of the Manipur Kingdom since as early as 1450 AD.

However, on March 3, 1953, then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru "gifted away" the valley to erstwhile Burma, now Myanmar, following a meeting in Manipur with his Burmese counterpart, Unu.

The MP strongly criticised Nehru's decision, stating that it was taken without any prior approval of the Indian Parliament or endorsement from the state government.

MP Sanajaoba calls for reclaiming Kabaw Valley

"Giving away of Kabaw Valley to Burma was the most unfortunate day in the history of Manipur," he said, emphasising that such a significant decision lacked parliamentary ratification.

He also pointed out that Nehru had completely ignored the terms and conditions of the Treaty of Yandaboo, 1826 .

Furthermore, as per the Kabaw Valley Agreements of 1834, Burma had agreed to pay a sum of 500 'Sicca' Rupees per month as compensation to the then King of Manipur, Gambhir Singh.

The compensation continued to be paid to Manipur until 1949, and after Manipur's merger with India, the same amount was paid to the Government of India until around 1953."Without knowing all these historical backgrounds, Nehru gifted away this resourceful valley to Burma," Sanajaoba remarked, adding that this historical blunder has left an indelible mark on Manipur's history.

"Because of this, Manipur will never forgive Nehru and his party - Congress," he asserted.

In his appeal to the government, the MP urged the government to examine the feasibilities of returning Kabaw Valley to Manipur, India, or continuing the payment of pending compensation to the state government or the Union Government.