Imphal: For centuries, the Manipuri pony has been far more than a horse. This rare, semi-wild indigenous breed is woven into the cultural and historical identity of Manipur, celebrated not only for its distinctive appearance and remarkable stamina but also for its enduring association with Sagol Kangjei, the traditional game widely believed to have evolved into modern polo.
Today, however, the animal that once symbolised the state’s heritage is fighting for its own survival.
Long threatened by shrinking grazing grounds, habitat loss and neglect, the Manipuri pony now faces an even more alarming danger. According to polo associations, pony owners and equestrian organisations, the animals are being systematically stolen, slaughtered and allegedly sold for meat, pushing an already endangered breed closer to extinction.
The associations claim that more than 80 Manipuri ponies were stolen and slaughtered between September 2025 and January 2026. A recent survey conducted by these groups also uncovered around 150 previously unreported cases of theft and loss, raising fresh concerns over the rapidly declining population of this indigenous breed.
According to figures from the Directorate of Veterinary, just over 1,000 Manipuri ponies remain in the state. Against this backdrop, the recent spate of thefts and slaughter has intensified fears over the future of one of Manipur’s most iconic native species.
At a joint press conference at the Manipur Press Club on Sunday, representatives of several polo and pony organisations voiced grave concern over the rapid decline in the Manipuri pony population.
The groups alleged that organised thefts of the native horses are being followed by their slaughter and sale as meat, posing a direct threat to the survival of the endangered breed.
The organisations 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 Sagol Kangjei Association, Manipur Pony and Polo Welfare Association, pony owners and polo players.
According to Oinam Sana Meitei, representing the associations, several suspects allegedly involved in stealing and slaughtering the indigenous ponies have already been identified, and complaints have been lodged at various police stations. However, he alleged that no legal action has been taken against them so far.
“The Manipuri pony is an inseparable part of the rich culture and heritage of Manipur. The pony is not only an iconic indigenous breed but also the foundation of the traditional game of Sagol Kangjei, which later became known as modern polo,” he said.
He added that the delay in taking action has created a growing sense of fear and insecurity among pony owners across the state.
Strongly condemning the theft and slaughter of Manipuri ponies, the associations urged the state government and all stakeholders to take immediate action and implement effective measures to ensure the survival, protection and conservation of the endangered breed.
Sana Meitei also informed that, following a meeting, the associations unanimously resolved to ban the identified suspects from participating in all horse-related activities, including polo tournaments, pony events and other sports organised by the seven organisations.
The associations further announced that they would launch a special drive to inspect meat shops across the state to determine whether horse meat is being sold illegally.
While the recent thefts have sparked outrage, members of the associations stressed that the crisis extends beyond criminal activity. According to Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association General Secretary K Dhanachandra, the steady disappearance of traditional grazing grounds has also become a major threat to the survival of the Manipuri pony.
He said that official records show there were once around 44 grazing grounds for ponies across Manipur. Today, only a handful remain, including Mapal Kangjeibung, Hapta Kangjeibung and Manung Kangjeibung, which also double as venues for polo matches.
For pony owners, the crisis is deeply personal.
Pandit, a pony owner and state polo player from Langol, said there are currently only 20 registered polo owners in the state. The recent wave of thefts has dealt a severe blow to the already dwindling community of pony owners.
Pandit, who also serves as secretary of the Langol UBC Polo Club, was once the proud owner of nine Manipuri ponies. In December 2025, two of his ponies were stolen. Although he lodged a complaint at the nearest police station, he said the police have yet to take any concrete action.
As reports of thefts continue to mount and the population of Manipuri ponies continues to shrink, owners and conservation groups fear that the breed is approaching a critical tipping point.
They are now calling not only for strict legal action against those responsible for the thefts and slaughter but also for long-term conservation measures to safeguard one of Manipur’s most enduring cultural symbols before it is lost forever.
Also Read: Washed Away, Rebuilt, Repeated: How Assam’s floods exposed Men Kathar’s lifeline
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