Theft and alleged slaughter of Manipuri ponies trigger conservation fears

Polo and pony associations in Manipur have raised concerns over the increasing theft and alleged slaughter of Manipuri ponies, saying the indigenous breed is facing a serious threat to its survival. Addressing a joint press conference at the Manipur Press Club on August 3, representatives of several polo, equestrian and pony welfare organizations said more than 80 Manipuri ponies were allegedly stolen and slaughtered between September 2025 and January 2026. The associations also said a recent survey conducted by pony owners and equestrian groups identified around 150 additional unreported cases of pony thefts and disappearances, bringing the total number of reported and suspected cases to more than 230. According to the Directorate of Veterinary, just over 1,000 Manipuri ponies remain in the state. The associations said the recent thefts and alleged slaughter of the animals have further increased concerns over the future of the indigenous breed. The Manipuri Pony is closely associated with Sangol Kangjay, the traditional sport from Manipur that is widely regarded as the origin of modern polo. The breed has long been considered an important part of the state's cultural and sporting heritage. The organizations represented at the press conference included the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, All Manipur Polo Association, All Manipur Equestrian Association, Manipur Pony Society, All Manipur Arambai Association, All Manipur Pana Sangol Kangjai Association, Manipur Pony and Polo Welfare Association along with pony owners and polo players Speaking at the press conference Oinam Sana Meite Joint Secretary of the All Manipur Polo Association said several people suspected of stealing and slaughtering Manipuri ponies had been identified. He said complaints had been lodged at different police stations but claimed that no legal action had been taken against the suspects so far. We strongly condemn the theft and slaughter of Manipur ponies and we demand immediate and strictly against all accused persons involved in this crime. We resolve to boycott the accused persons from all horse related activities, pony events, polo tournaments and other sports. We also request the government to allocate and develop a dedicated racing field for our Manipur pony. We urge the government of Manipur to treat this issue as an emergency and take an urgent measure to protect the remaining Kony population, which is becoming very important and a threat to everyone. The associations also announced that they would inspect meat shops across the state to check for the alleged sale of horse meat. They urged the state government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action to protect the endangered breed and prevent further thefts.