Mithun Project brings Sandang back to Louphong; vaccination, ear-tagging programme conducted
Source: The Sangai Express

Kamjong, November 22 2025: A village-level Mithun and cattle vaccination and eartagging programme was held today at Louphong village in Kamjong district.

According to a press release issued by The Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur, the programme was carried out under the initiative of Dr Atom Sunil Singh, Principal Investigator of the project "Mithun Conservation & Breeding Centre in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland & Manipur" .

It was implemented by the North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Society (NERCRMS), Shillong, in association with AIMS, Manipur, and funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India.

It is worth noting that "Mithun", locally known as "Sandang", had disappeared from Louphong after the Naga-Kuki conflict in the 1990s, and for many years there were no Mithun left in the village, as per the statement.

This significant NEC-supported project aims to conserve and breed Mithun so that it is protected from extinction and remains as a unique species, as well as to safeguard it as an important part of the culture and livelihood of tribal communities.

Under this initiative, 25 Mithun have been provided to each project centre at Louphong village, Kabui Khullen village and Machi village of Manipur; Mirem village, Pasighat district, East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh and Jalukie village, Peren district, Nagaland.

Vaccination and ear-tagging were carried out by Haorongbam Jiban, FA, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Imphal East in the presence of Ch Bungbungcha Meitei, NERCRMS representative; Mingthing Mung, Headman of Louphong Village Authority, and many villagers.

The villagers of Louphong expressed happiness to see Mithun again in their village, and conveyed their sincere thanks to NEC, MDoNER, NERCRMS and AIMS' entire teams specially Dr Atom Sunil Singh for bringing Sandang back, preserving it for future generations, and supporting their future livelihood.

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