Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba expressed urgent concerns about the declining population of the Manipuri Pony in Parliament, emphasizing its cultural significance and historical identity in Manipur. He highlighted that the pony, an indigenous breed of Equus caballus, is linked to polo’s origins and symbolizes the state’s heritage. Despite the Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy of 2016, inadequate implementation has resulted in the population falling below 1,000. Sanajaoba condemned recent reports of ponies being slaughtered and sold for meat, calling for strict action against such practices. He noted previous efforts, including raising the issue in Parliament on July 22, 2022, and submitting a memorandum to the Manipur Governor for conservation measures. With over 5,000 years of association with Manipur’s civilization, he warned that hunting or selling the pony violates several laws, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Sanajaoba urged the Union Government to direct the state government to enforce conservation policies urgently to prevent the species’ extinction.
Imphal