Ukhrul, March 10: Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha today brought forward the territorial issue concerning the Kabaw Valley, urging the Indian government to revisit the decision made in 1953 to gift the valley to Burma (now Myanmar).
The titular king in his address at the Parliament Budget Session 2025 to the upper house pointed out the historical significance of the Kabaw Valley, “a resource-rich and fertile landmass spanning approximately 22,210 square kilometers.” He stated that the valley had been an integral part of the Manipur Kingdom since 1450 AD and was unjustly handed over to Burma by then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on March 3, 1953, following a meeting with his Burmese counterpart, U Nu, in Manipur.
The BJP MP said that the decision was made without the approval of the Indian Parliament or the endorsement of the Manipur state, calling it “the most unfortunate day in the history of Manipur.” He further pointed out that Nehru’s decision disregarded the terms of the Treaty of Yandaboo (1826) and the Kabaw Valley Agreements of 1834.
Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba further said that under these agreements, Burma had agreed to pay a monthly compensation of 500 Sicca Rupees to the then King of Manipur, Gambhir Singh, for the valley. This compensation was reportedly paid until 1949, after which it was transferred to the Government of India following Manipur’s merger with India. However, the payments ceased around 1953 after the valley was ceded to Burma.
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The MP expressed deep regret over what he termed a “historical blunder,” stating that Manipur would never forgive Nehru and his party, the Congress, for this decision. He urged the Indian government to examine the feasibility of either reclaiming the Kabaw Valley for Manipur or resuming the pending compensation payments to the state or union government.
“This valley is not just a piece of land; it is a part of our history, culture, and identity. The people of Manipur have been wronged, and it is time for the government to address this historical injustice,” Sanajaoba Leishemba asserted.