YFPHR urges CM for protection of ponies
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 10 2024: Youth's Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) has appealed to the chief minister and the veterinary and animal husbandry minister to make compatible arrangement for Manipur ponies being kept at Hapta Kangjeibung.

In a memorandum addressed to the CM and the minister, the Forum expressed shock over the deaths of three ponies this month, adding that nearly 30 have perished in recent months due to lack of proper care and protection.

Maintaining that Manipur Pony holds deep cultural significance in the state, being closely tied to the history of sports, warfare, and worship, YFPHR emphasised that these animals are not only symbols of cultural heritage but are also integral to the identity of the people of Manipur.

It urged that the cultural rights of the people, as well as the ponies themselves, need to be protected, preserved, and respected under the provisions of the Manipur Pony Conservation and Development Policy.

According to YFPHR, over the past few months, ponies grazing at Hapta Kangjeibung have been exposed to harsh weather, including heavy rain and critical conditions.

It informed that there are no proper sheds or shelters to protect the animals from extreme weather, nor has there been any evident medical care provided by the authorities.

As a result, many of the ponies have fallen ill, with some unable to survive.

Photographs annexed to the memorandum highlighted the dire situation, and sick and dying ponies.

Calling for immediate action from the government to prevent further loss of Manipur Ponies, the memorandum proposed forming of a medical team to diagnose the health condition of all the ponies kept for grazing at Hapta Kangjeibung, construction of temporary sheds in dry areas to provide shelter to the ponies from harsh weather conditions, immediate arrangement of proper and alternative grazing fields for the ponies, and steps to address the pressing need of the Manipur Pony population.

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