Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: The death of eight Manipuri ponies in the Wabagai area of Kakching District has caused serious concern among the polo, equine community and pony owners of Manipur. The matter was highlighted at a press conference held at the Manipur Press Club today, where the representatives of leading equestrian and pony organisations called for continued vigilance and timely veterinary intervention.
The press conference was addressed by Prof. Ch. Priyoranjan, President, Manipuri Pony Society, in the presence of H. Deleep Singh, President, Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association; N. Bedajeet Singh, Technical Chairman; and N. Ibungochoubi, Secretary General, Manipur Equestrian Association.
Prof. Ch. Priyoranjan stated that the reported deaths are alarming, particularly because the Manipuri pony is an important part of the State’s cultural heritage, traditional sporting traditions and equine culture. He informed that, as of the time of the press conference, eight ponies had died in the affected area. The first death was reported on August 13, 2026, after which further cases were reported from the area.
He said that the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, Government of Manipur, responded to the situation and its personnel have remained on alert. The departmental veterinary personnel have been working continuously to monitor and attend to the affected ponies. Symptomatic treatment is presently being carried out under veterinary supervision.
According to the information shared at the press conference, samples were collected on September 26 from eight ponies and sent to the ICAR–National Research Centre on Equines, Sirsa Road, Haryana, for a detailed diagnostic examination. The final laboratory findings are awaited. The representatives emphasised that no definitive conclusion regarding the cause of the illness should be drawn until the laboratory diagnosis is received.
Veterinary doctors attending to the affected animals have observed clinical symptoms including high temperature, dyspnoea, nasal discharge, swelling and coughing, among other symptoms. Continuous observation and appropriate symptomatic treatment are being undertaken by the veterinary authorities.
The representatives also appreciated the response and efforts of the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services and stressed the importance of close coordination between the Department, pony owners, equestrian organisations and local authorities during the present situation.
N. Ibungochoubi, Secretary General, Manipur Equestrian Association, appealed to all pony owners, equestrian clubs and other stakeholders across the State to remain alert but not panic. He said that, so far, there have been no reports of similar sickness from Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Thoubal districts.
He urged pony owners to carefully observe the health of their animals and immediately report any unusual symptoms, sickness or suspected cases to the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services at the earliest. Early reporting, he said, would enable the veterinary authorities to examine the animal promptly and take appropriate measures.
The representatives appealed to pony owners and clubs not to conceal suspected cases and to cooperate fully with veterinary personnel so that the situation can be properly assessed and contained. They also stressed the importance of following veterinary advice and maintaining appropriate care and monitoring of ponies.
The Manipuri pony, popularly known as Sagol, occupies a distinctive place in the cultural, historical and sporting traditions of Manipur. The present situation therefore warrants close attention, responsible reporting and coordinated action by all concerned.
The equestrian and pony organisations expressed confidence that the ongoing veterinary efforts and laboratory investigation would help establish the nature of the illness and guide further appropriate measures.
