IMPHAL, Nov 29 - Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Sunday stated that the government is taking steps to protect the indigenous ponies from the threat of extinction. Speaking at the closing function of the 9th Manipur polo international tournament 2015 here, Ibobi said, �The Government of Manipur has initiated establishment of an exclusive sanctuary for Manipur pony.�
In the last livestock census in 2007, the number of Manipur ponies had dropped to 1,218, a steep decline from the figure of 1,893 estimated during the 2003 census.
Stating that there has been an alarming decrease in the population of the indigenous polo ponies in Manipur, Ibobi said, �I am sure the polo fraternity all over the world will surely appreciate this initiative taken up by the Government of Manipur.�
Informing that �Sagol Kangjei� which is now known as polo internationally, has been played in Manipur since time immemorial, he said, we are indebted to our forefathers who have handed down to us this game which has become a popular game across the world.
Sagol Kangjei has been played traditionally on the indigenous Manipur pony which is one of the five species identified by the Government of India.
Guru Rewben performs in China: Popular Tangkhul folk musician Guru Rewben Mashangva enthralled the audience at the 4th edition of Handshake Concert 2015 held on November 27 at Kunming theatre at Kunming City in China�sYunnan Province. during theWith his popular folk-track �Changkhom Philava� a dedicated solo number which gives respect to the women folks, the
�It was exciting to perform at the show,� said Rewben after returning here from Kunming (China) this afternoon. Besides Rewben, Grammy winner and global ambassador of Handshake Concert along with Tetseo Sisters, Purple Fusion, a choir group from Dimapur and RHMS executive members, represented India in the concert.
Sharing his experience in the Chinese city, Guru Rewben appealed to all sections of the people here to support the artistes and sportspersons instead of imposing restrictions. He also appealed to the government to extend support to the talented artistes of the State.
The Handshake Concert, in the past years, had been successfully held in Mumbai (2009), New Delhi (2010), Bangalore (2011), Bangkok (2012), Jakarta (2013) and Yangon � Myanmar (2014). Two Handshake Concerts were also held in Kohima in 2013 and 2014.
