WITH LOVE TO KWATHA & MOREH ~ Lukhendro Keisham

Written by Lukhendro Keisham

Imphal - Moreh stretch of NH-39 is one of the perfect route for short touring from Imphal. The highway has been constently upgrading in recent years through various government and international projects. Regarded as India's gateway to South East Asian countries this passage if fully developed is going to do wonders not only for India but Manipur and few other North East Indian States.

Our meeting point was in front of Manipur University Campus's main gate. We choose the spot as it marks the most convenient and neutral point to meet up riders coming from different locations. We stopped for a group photo at Khongjom War Memorial Gate. From Pallel the road starts its undulating journey till Moreh.

Fog laden slopes and the newly upgraded morning road was simply astonishing. Felt like you came accross a cooled room out of nowhere. All our faces lit up. We stop by to enjoy the moment as the morning sun rose on the other side. We did our mandatory check - in at Tengnoupal's army check point. They gave us a slip which contain our vehicle details. We have to produce before another check point on the same highway at Khudengthabi.

After crossing Tengnoupal Bazar we drove up to Gaby's Cafe for breakfast. This cafe has become a landmark stop for tourist and local commuters who wish for a clean and peaceful eatery in between the journey. Located at a higher ground it also serve as a perfect view point to a downhill hairpin bend of the road. It was a breather.

Next was Khudengthabi where the riders joined the long queue with their vehicle slip they got from Tengnoupal. This is where all vehicles coming from Moreh including whatsoever are thoroughly checked by Indian Army. For us all was smooth and we reach Moreh Town under a scorching sun.

Since the Covid - 19 outbreak and the Mayanmar's military coup on 1st February, 2020 the Indo - Mayanmar border remain sealed. The commercially most popular Namphalong Market on the other side of Indo - Mayanmar Friendship Gate still remain close. Due to the closure and bottleneck supplies from cross border new business establishments were seen on the Indian side. The entire street from Moreh Police Station to Indo - Mayanmar Friendship Gate is now crowded with shops selling Mayanmar goods and were thriving too. But the impression fail to match the diverse product line of Namphalong Market run by the Mayanmarese.

After a few knick-knack shoping and how much our bikes could carry we hurried for lunch. The best place for an authentic local cuisine is at a market area in the town where local women serve its customers with a variety of both veg and non - veg items. We adieu Moreh Town just after the lunch.

On return from Moreh and after crossing Khudengthabi we touch down at Kwatha, a small village resided by Meitei community near Indo - Mayanmar international border and around 7 kms. from the highway. Visiting for the first time and in search for someone we know in the village we landed at a friend's house uninformed. He was surprised at the same time delighted to see us all. Took us for a tour of the village. It has a school named Kwatha Jr. High School, a Primary Health Centre and an Indian Army Outpost sharing campus wall with the shrine of the village diety. We got a chance to speak to the Officer Commanding the outpost as he came out to meet some representatives of the village. They came to thank the army personals with a "letter of appreciation" for their part at an accident that took place in the village few days ago.

We trek down the river gorge for a small tiered waterfall. As we reach few of us simmered into the plunge pool instantly. Crystal clear stream flowing under the dense vegetation cutting away sunlight relieve us of the piercing summer sweat from Moreh. After almost an hour we head back for the village. As weightless as downhill the uphill wayback from the river was a nightmare. Trackless slippery path, leeches and drenched in sweat we stop for breath after every few steps. And above all a never ending heavy rain hit us out of nowhere. After all it was worth for an unplanned treat. Upon arrival we spent some time at the house and the family served us tea. We could only return the hospitality with love and respect. It was an emotion visiting and meeting the villagers considered to be one of the very ancient blood of the Manipuris. Experiencing Kwatha was the most rewarding prize of the entire trip. We found the village section of the road already black topped while concrete were laid from the highway till the village gate. Apart from the place and its people Kwatha is most famous for fermented bamboo shoot and the annual "Lai Haraoba" festival.

On our way back we entered the vehicle slip we got from Khudengthabi check post at Tengnoupal check post again. After a water break we rode for Imphal without a stop. Finally we split for home at Singjamei Super Market point.

WITH LOVE TO KWATHA & MOREH

Date: 2nd Oct.2021

Meeting point: Manipur University's Main Gate, 4:30 am.

ROUTE: Manipur University Gate / Khongjom War Memorial / Pallel / Tengnoupal Bazar / Gaby's Cafe (tea break), Moreh Town / Kwatha Village

R I D E R S & P I L L I O N S

1. Ithoiba Potshangbam / Thabung Konjengbam

2. Surjachandra Yumnam / Lukhendro Keisham

3. Joychandra Irom / Phunibabu Oinam

4. Pradeep Laishram / Regan Ningthoujam

5. Sanjoy Lourembam / Amesh Irom

6. Narendra Longjam