TRIP TO MOREH AND MYANMAAR

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.