JIRIBAM THE WESTERN FRONTIER ~ Lukhendro Keisham

Over Irang Bridge

JIRIBAM THE WESTERN FRONTIER

Written by Lukhendro Keisham

Jiribam Town is regarded as the western frontier of Manipur. In pursue to experience major roads and places in Manipur we set out for Jiribam and drove till Silcher Town at Cacher District of Assam.

At Zouzangtek

Our meeting point was in front of India Peace Memorial at Maibam Lokpa Ching. We took the Tongjei Maril route from Bishnupur towards Khoupum Valley and to Mongjarong-Khullen where the road opens up at Imphal - Jiribam main highway. Though the Imphal - Jiribam Road is few kilometers shorter we choose this route as it was in mint condition with very little traffic during the time of our journey saving us around one hour of travel time and fuel economy. Also the arial view of Loktak Lake from the highlands of Laimatol, the Khoupum Dam and Irang River apart from other natural landscapes was an add on to the journey. The main highway was dusty and filled with broken patches every few meters along with heavy vehicles from both directions slow down our pace. Took a short halt at Nungba for lunch, we were half way to Jiribam. Few miles and we came accross the new Barak Bridge. Next was the just inaugurated Makru Bridge. Around 30 kms. ahead and we are at Jiribam.

At Makru Bridge

The orange sun was just in front of us as we cross the Manipur - Assam border bridge at Jirighat. Our stay for the whole tour was planned at Manipuri Guest House in Konjeng Leikai of Lakhipur. Our friend Mr. Sandeep Konjengbam who live nearby arranged the place. He and his family also invited us for dinner in his home that day. After dinner few from the team went for Thabal Chongba at Singerbond, a Meitei village. It was 18th March, 2022 also the first day of the annual five day Yaoshang festival.

Local boat at Fulertal for Narando.

On 19th March morning we took a local boat from Fulertal for Narando, a tiny river island in Barak River. As the locals say Narando Baba set on the rock and meditate to his God. The Meitei community regard the place a historical one. More than two hours of to and fro boat ride was the finest experience one can get from the trip. The calm water of Barak River, soothing wind under the summer sun, locals fishing, bathing, washing, lumbering bamboos, passing boats, etc. were all a moment to just relax and enjoy from the boat. Narando gave us a purpose to visit Jiribam of Manipur and Cachar of Assam from other parts of Manipur. In the afternoon we drove around Silcher Town, visited the famous Gandhi Mela held annually in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, met few of our friends and a late night farewell gathering.

Pay respect at Narando Baba.

We left Konjeng Leikai in the morning of 20th March. After breakfast and shopping for Yongchak at Jiribam we headed for Imphal. The Manipuri's love for Yongchak is endless. Even though we bought plenty we still throng to buy more of the vegetable where ever we find on the way until we stop for lunch at Nungba. Like most Christain towns and villages most shops and businesses remain close till Bishnupur. We part ways for home from Nambol Phoijing.

JIRIBAM THE WESTERN FRONTIER

18th to 20th March, 2022

ROUTE

Imphal - Bishnupur - Khoupum - Mongjarong Khullem - Noney - Jiribam - Lakhipur Konjeng Leikai - Silcher - Lakhipur Konjeng Leikai

LIST OF RIDERS & PILLIONS

1. Surjachandra Yumnam & Lukhendro Keisham

2. Ithoiba Potshangbam

3. Nysen Maisnam

4. Sudra Oinam & Pradip Laishram

5. Narendra Longjam & Mahendra Oinam

6. Boris Nongthomba

7. Ksherson Thoudam