A hundred and ten kilometres away from Manipur's capital of
Imphal, on the border between India and Myanmar, stands Moreh. The road to the
border town cuts through wide, windy fields of the Imphal valley, climbing up
into the moist clouds that shroud the hills of Manipur's Chandel district only
to descend into the oppressively hot plains of Moreh.
The town may be small but it is cosmopolitan, more than even
Imphal with Manipuri Meiteis, Kuki tribals, Tamils, Punjabis and even Burmese
nationals making it a true mix of diversity. (with their trademark sarongs and
conical cane hats walk the streets with their wares.) And unlike Imphal, which
shuts at six in the evening, Moreh stays awake till late night. Liquor vends
dot the main road that passes through the town. The beer brands that line the
glass cases in an otherwise dry state testify to this plurality—Burmese beer,
the cheap Dali from China, and German and Dutch beer.
The entry from Moreh to Namphalong, the market that's a few
steps into the Burmese border, is free
Driving past the rolling hills and changing landscapes &
several community habitats ( Kukis,nagas, Muslim and Christians) we reach Moreh (India’sgateway to SE Asia) - The dusty little town close to Myanmaar border. Journey was never easy as we had to face some stringent checks by the Indian army along the Indo Burma Road – “Where are you from”? “Is Goa in India” ? – we were asked. But in spite of harsh conditions & job the guys have to perform they still have retained their sense of humour!
We checked into a Govt guest house at Moreh and quickly
prepared ourselves for a quick trip to Myanmaar. We crossed the border to
realise Mynamar is an hour ahead of India. Border closes at 5 PM Burma time.
Walking to the bazaar twon of Napluphula was such a joy. Typical Burmese market. People selling with a
smile.
We met Lily – a young enterprising girl selling cutlery and
glass items. We were welcomed by all. Further we travelled to Tamu about 10 km
inside Burma. One has to drive right hand drive. Beautiful pagodas, clean
markets and roads. We were indeed impressed. Did not find any security checks
around. A meal at a local restaurant was a delight. We experienced the legendry
beer “ Myanmaa smooth”. The Quale egg salad, fish with bamboo shoots..ummm...the
taste still haunts us.
We crossed the friendship
bridge and were welcomed warmly by the Burmese officials.
