evidence: The valley is divided into three subdivisions of Samjok (Thandent), Khumbat (Khambat) and Kale. The Shan holds control over the valley. Gangmumei Kabui, a renowned historian of North East writes, in the 19th century, the valley was a subject of dispute between Manipur and Burma which is a large territory covering 3000 sq. miles, now forms a part of upper Chindwin District of Burma. [Gangmumei Kabui: 1988 The Lost Territory of Manipur: Cession of Kabaw Valley, N.Sanajaoba(Ed.), Manipur Past and Present, Vol.1, New Delhi, p.23] The name Kabaw is a Manipuri word for Shan, reflects the present of different cultures in Kabaw Valley. [Josheph R. Castile: 1988, Chin and Burmese Landscapes in the Kabaw Valley of North West Burma, Proceedings-AAG Middle States Division, Vol.21, p. 26] In the first haft of 19th century, the inhabitants of the valley were mostly Shans, Manipuris, Burmese and tribes who were culturally and ethnically related with the people of Chandel District of Manipur.