IT News
Imphal, Oct 10:
The Youth’s Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) has expressed deep concern over the recent deaths of three ponies in October, citing inadequate care and protection as the cause. The forum revealed that nearly 30 ponies have died in the past months due to neglect, compounded by extreme weather conditions.
Ponies hold significant cultural value to the people of Manipur, being historically tied to sports, warfare, and religious rituals. The YFPHR highlighted the urgent need to protect and preserve these animals, as mandated by the Manipur Pony Conservation and Development Policy.
According to the YFPHR, ponies have been grazing in the Hapta Kangjeibung area of Palace Compound, where they have endured heavy rains and harsh weather with no proper shelters. The YFPHR further noted that no medical supervision has been provided, leaving many of the ponies sick and in need of immediate medical attention. They reported that some animals have already died as a result, while others remain in a critical condition.
The YFPHR called for the immediate formation of a medical team to diagnose and treat the ponies currently grazing in Hapta Kangjeibung. They also urged authorities to construct temporary sheds in dry areas to protect the animals from extreme weather and to arrange proper grazing fields. The forum requested the government to act swiftly, stressing that this issue requires urgent attention to prevent further loss of life.