Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba has expressed significant concerns in Parliament regarding the alarming decline of the Manipuri Pony population, urging immediate protective measures. In a special mention, he emphasized the pony’s importance as a rare indigenous breed of Equus caballus, which forms a critical part of Manipur’s cultural and historical identity, as well as its association with the origins of polo, showcasing the state’s heritage and traditional lifestyle.
Despite the Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy established in 2016, Sanajaoba pointed out that ineffective implementation and various other factors have led to the population plummeting to under 1,000. He raised alarm over recent reports of ponies being slaughtered for meat, which have provoked considerable public outcry and distress across Manipur. Describing such actions as unacceptable, he called for stringent measures against offenders.
He reminded Parliament of his previous efforts, highlighting that he had addressed the issue on July 22, 2022, requesting central support for conservation measures. Additionally, he submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur on January 27, advocating for swift action to protect this endangered breed. Sanajaoba noted that the Manipuri Pony has been intertwined with Manipur’s civilization for over 5,000 years, asserting that any hunting or selling of the animal for meat constitutes a serious matter.
He further underscored the legal violations associated with these acts, referencing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and the Food Safety and Standards Act. In conclusion, Sanajaoba called on the Union Government to direct the state government rigorously to implement conservation policies and take immediate action to prevent the extinction of the Manipuri Pony.
