Imphal, July 16: The Co-ordinating Committee of Polo Clubs and Pony Owners, Manipur, today urged the state government to formulate the Manipur Pony Conservation and Development Policy in view of the dwindling number of ponies, down to near extinction.

N. Bedajit Singh, the chairman of the Coordinating Committee of Polo Club and Owners, said this here today, narrating the long tradition of the human-pony relationship even during battles. He added that the pony had a special place in their hearts.

"At this crucial juncture, when the number of ponies is roughly around 500 in the state, another burden has fallen upon our backs, as the breeding farm and a number of grazing grounds have been submerged in the rain. On top of it, a lack of proper feeding grounds has led to straying of the ponies onto the roads, resulting in a number of accidents to humans and ponies," Bedajit added.

He added that there were police cases lodged against the owners over accidents that took place on the roads as well as on the grounds of cruelty on animals.

Most of the pony owners were polo players and if they were on the receiving end, the progress of polo looked bleak in the future.

"So, in this regard, we appeal to the state government to formulate and implement the pony conservation and development policy at the earliest. If the formulation of the policy takes time, the Coordinating Committee of Polo Clubs and Pony Owners, Manipur, has urged state government to reserve lands for grazing ground as well as for stables," he said.

The committee has also urged the state government to implement the Manipur Paddyland and Wetland Protection Act, 2014.

Gold medal: L. Yaiphaba and M. Lamyanba bagged a gold medal each in the taekwondo event of the ISF World School Combat Game Championship 2017 held at Agra, Uttar Pradesh, from July 7-14.

Yaiphaba claimed the gold in the 55kg and Lamyanba in the 62kg weight category of the championship, which was organised by the School Games Federation of India under the International School Games Federation.