Save Manipuri Pony call reverberates in rally
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 28 2014: Manipur Pony Society and Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association jointly took out the 'Save Manipuri Pony Awareness Procession' today.

After it was flagged off by Manipuri Pony Society president Dr Ksh Chourjit from Pony Breeding Farm, Lamphelpat, the awareness rally passed through Dingku Road, Ayangpali, Thumbuthong, Indo-Burma Road and Keishampat before it culminated at Pony Breeding Farm.

In connection with today's awareness campaign, a memorandum was submitted to Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Minister Govindas Konthoujam.

The representation urged the Government to declare Manipuri Pony breed as critically endangered animal, formulate a special Manipuri Pony and Polo Policy and reserve grazing and natural habitat for the Ponies by an Act.

The memorandum said that the dwindling population of Manipuri Pony breed has been a serious concern for the State.

Awareness procession being flagged off at Lamphelpat

Saying that there were 1898 Ponies in 2003, the memorandum said that the number dwindled to 1218 in 2007 .

According to a survey jointly conducted by Manipur Pony Club and Pony owners this year, the State has only 500 Ponies now, the memorandum said.

As such, Manipuri Ponies have become a critically endangered animal and there is urgent need for framing a special Manipuri Pony Breed Policy in consultation with equine scientists, social historians and the Union Government to save Manipuri Ponies.

On the sidelines of today's awareness procession, Manipuri Pony Society president Dr Ksh Chourjit said that a British officer introduced the game of polo to his fellow officers in Cachhar after he witnessed Manipuri youths playing 'Sagol Kangjei' in Manipur.

A full fledged first polo match was played by British officers in Calcutta in 1864 before the game gained popularity in England and other parts of the world, Chourajit added.

In commemoration of the 150th anniversary celebration of modern polo, the 8th Manipur Polo International would be held at Mapal Kangjeibung from November 22 to 29 this year, Chourjit said and added that teams from USA, South Africa, France, Thailand, Poland, Mongolia and Genghis Khan Polo Club would take part in the competition.