After the sacrifice of five Assam Rifles soldiers on November 13, the army has increased its vigilance along the Myanmar border. According to reports, the militants fled to Myanmar after the attack. Moreh town in Manipur, which shares a 398-kilometre border with Myanmar, is less than 50 metres away.
The people living in Myanmar are seen on one side and Indians on the other. Kuki, Meitiya, Bihari, Tamil, Marwari and Nepali live in Moreh. India-Myanmar Friendship Gate is built here, through which people of Myanmar can come to this town without any passport or visa. However, due to Corona, this gate has been closed for almost two years. Apart from this gate, there is also a bridge in the town itself, from where people of both the countries come and go.
The people of Moreh say that the bridge and gate were about to open, but in the meantime, our soldiers were attacked and the army again increased the strictness. However, even after the gate is closed, people from both sides are using it.
The people of Moreh Town go to Myanmar to buy cheap goods. The scooty in India costs Rs 70 to 80 thousand, that same scooty is available in Myanmar for Rs 35 to 40 thousand. Similarly, petrol in India costs Rs 100 to Rs 110 per litre, and in Myanmar for Rs 70 to 80 per litre. Apart from scooty and petrol, fruits and clothes are also cheap in Myanmar.
People of Myanmar come every day from 7 to 8 in the morning to set up shop in Moreh. The pucca shops here belong to Indians, but most of the shops on the street in front of them belong to the people of Myanmar.
However, whenever tension increases on the border, it has its impact on this town as well. Strictness was too much for a day or two, but it has now become somewhat normal. We are not upset with the people of Myanmar.
The Asal Rifles officer posted at the check post said that people from Myanmar come and go to Moreh. But the vehicles coming from there are strictly checked and documents are also checked. Militants often take shelter there. In such a situation, no one is being allowed to move forward without investigation. Here too the entry has been closed after 4 pm.
