Moreh Town, Manipur, is a border town where, before 2023, you could hear a single sentence switch languages midway. One journalist who visited in 2019 described people starting a sentence in Meiteilon, switching to Tamil and finishing in Thadou, a mix that reflected Moreh’s unusual role as a trading crossroads between India and Myanmar.
That picture has changed sharply. Moreh has been badly affected by Manipur’s ethnic conflict since May 2023, formal border trade has been closed since March 2022, and India has moved to fence the border. This guide explains where Moreh is, how it connects, and what visitors should know before considering a trip.
Moreh at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| State | Manipur |
| District | Tengnoupal |
| Across the border | Tamu, Myanmar |
| Role | One of two main India–Myanmar border trade points (the other is Zokhawthar–Rihkhawdar in Mizoram) |
| Border trade agreement | Signed in 1994 |
| Formal border trade | Closed since March 2022, per reports |
| Free Movement Regime | India announced it would scrap it in February 2024 |
| Communities | Kuki, Meitei, Naga, Tamil, Malayali and others |
| Current situation | Heavily affected by the conflict since May 2023, with a strong security presence |
A Trading Town With a Tamil Chapter
One of Moreh’s most surprising features is its Tamil community:
- Origins: Tamil traders, with roots in Tamil Nadu, became the largest and most powerful non-Manipuri trading community in Moreh.
- Moreh Chamber of Commerce: Long a stronghold of the Tamil community.
- Other traders: Marwari and Punjabi traders were also significant, though their numbers fell sharply over time.
- Decline: The Tamil population dropped after clashes in the mid-1990s, but for years it remained the largest non-Manipuri trading group.
- Diverse town: Moreh has also been home to Malayalis, Nepalis, Biharis and Manipur’s Naga, Kuki and Meitei communities.
The Border: What Has Changed
Border Trade
India and Myanmar signed a border trade agreement in 1994, making Moreh–Tamu one of the two main crossing points. According to reports, formal border trade at Moreh has been closed since March 2022.
The Free Movement Regime
- What it was: The Free Movement Regime (FMR) allowed residents living within 16 km of the border to cross without a visa for short stays.
- February 2024: The Government of India announced it would scrap the FMR and fence the entire India–Myanmar border.
- Outdated guides: Some travel guides, including one updated in May 2026, still say the FMR allows visitors to cross freely into Tamu. Given the 2024 decision, don’t rely on those claims. Check the current rules with Manipur authorities before planning any crossing.
Border Fencing
- Scope: Manipur shares about 398 km of border with Myanmar, of which only a small part was fenced when the decision was made.
- Moreh: The Border Roads Organisation was tasked with building a 10 km barrier at Moreh.
- Local debate: Fencing has drawn protests in some areas, and questions have been raised about the border’s exact alignment.
Drug Trafficking
In July 2026, the central government said the Moreh–Tamu border remains a major transit point for heroin and methamphetamine smuggled from Myanmar. A new Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026–2029) was released in June 2026, alongside measures such as anti-drone systems, surveillance cameras and improved fencing.
Moreh Since the 2023 Conflict
- Impact: Moreh became one of the flashpoints of the ethnic conflict that began in Manipur in May 2023.
- 2025 reports: Journalists described much of the town as shuttered and quiet, with security forces dominating the area.
- Trade: Officials say illegal trade has declined but hasn’t stopped, and smuggling routes have shifted to other parts of the border.
Visiting Moreh: What to Know
- Check official advisories: Before planning any trip, check current security advisories from the Manipur government and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Permits: Manipur has entry requirements for visitors, so check whether you need an Inner Line Permit and whether travel to border areas is currently allowed.
- Border crossing: Don’t assume you can cross into Tamu. The rules have changed since 2024.
- Travel with local guidance: If travel is permitted, go with local contacts or registered guides who know the current conditions.
Nearby Areas
- Tamu (Myanmar): Directly across the border, Moreh’s twin trading town. Myanmar’s own political situation also affects the border.
- Tengnoupal: The district that Moreh belongs to, in the hills between Moreh and Imphal.
- Chandel and Kamjong: Neighbouring hill districts along the Myanmar border, where some smuggling routes have reportedly shifted.
- Imphal: Manipur’s capital, reached via Tengnoupal. It’s the base for most travel within the state.
FAQs
Q1. Is border trade open at Moreh?
A: According to reports, formal border trade at Moreh has been closed since March 2022. Check with Manipur authorities for the latest status.
Q2. Can Indians cross from Moreh into Tamu, Myanmar?
A: Don’t assume so. India announced in February 2024 that it would scrap the Free Movement Regime and fence the border. Some travel guides are out of date on this.
Q3. Is it safe to visit Moreh now?
A: Moreh has been heavily affected by Manipur’s ethnic conflict since May 2023. Check official advisories and local guidance before planning any trip.