Organised theft and slaughter threaten Manipur’s Manipuri pony, polo bodies allege
Polo and pony organisations in Manipur allege that Manipuri ponies are being stolen, slaughtered and sold for meat, while habitat loss has also cut grazing land
The Manipuri pony, an indigenous semi-wild breed linked with Manipur’s cultural history and the traditional game Sagol Kangjei, is facing an acute survival crisis, according to several polo and pony organisations. They say the animals are being targeted at a time when their habitat is shrinking due to loss of grazing grounds and neglect.
Organisations allege ponies are being sold for meat
Representatives at a joint press conference at the Manipur Press Club said they have serious concerns about theft followed by slaughter and illegal sale. The groups alleged that over 80 Manipuri ponies were stolen and slaughtered between September 2025 and January 2026. They also said a recent survey found about 150 additional unreported cases of pony theft and loss.
The organisations pointed to official veterinary figures indicating that just over 1,000 Manipuri ponies remain in Manipur. In their view, the new wave of killings adds pressure to an already endangered population. The press conference brought together 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, and Manipur Pony and Polo Welfare Association, along with pony owners and polo players.
Complaints filed, but action not taken
One representative, Oinam Sana Meitei, said suspects involved in the alleged thefts and slaughter have been identified and complaints have been lodged at different police stations. However, he alleged that no legal action has been taken so far. He said this delay has increased fear among pony owners across the state.
The organisations unanimously resolved to ban the identified suspects from participating in horse-related activities. This includes polo tournaments, pony events and other sports organised by the seven organisations. They also announced plans to inspect meat shops across Manipur to check whether horse meat is being sold illegally.
Members stressed that the threat is not only criminal. K Dhanachandra, general secretary of the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, said the disappearance of traditional grazing grounds is another major reason for the decline. He noted that records once showed around 44 grazing grounds for ponies, but only a few remain today, including Mapal Kangjeibung, Hapta Kangjeibung and Manung Kangjeibung, which also serve as polo venues. For pony owners, the crisis is personal, and they said the thefts have weakened an already small community of registered polo owners.
