In an overwhelming outpouring of grief and solidarity, thousands of people across Manipur gathered to bid a heart-wrenching farewell to Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, a young air crew member who tragically lost her life in the Air India Flight AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad.
Her mortal remains arrived at Imphal International Airport on Sunday afternoon, accompanied by her father and elder sister who had travelled to Ahmedabad for DNA identification. She was one of the 270 victims who perished when the London-bound aircraft crashed into a hostel complex in Meghaninagar shortly after takeoff on June 12. The disaster claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew members, with only one passenger surviving.
The somber atmosphere at the airport reflected the depth of loss felt across the state. Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, senior police officials, Airport Authority staff, and Air India personnel joined the grieving family for a solemn reception ceremony. As the IndiGo flight carrying her coffin touched down, many were unable to contain their tears.
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In a poignant tribute, Team Imphal Airport shared on social media: “She was received not merely as a colleague but as family in mourning — united in silence and reverence.”
Dressed in mourning, Nganthoi’s father and sister stood brave but visibly broken as they placed floral tributes and offered their final goodbye. Her remains were then transported to her hometown in Thoubal on an open truck, accompanied by a massive funeral procession. The streets were lined with mourners — young and old — some shedding silent tears, others whispering prayers or showering petals as the convoy passed.
It was not just the farewell of a beloved daughter of Manipur, but also a moment that united the state in collective mourning. The final rites were scheduled to take place later in the evening.
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Meanwhile, the mortal remains of another Manipur native and AI crew member, Lamnunthem Singson, were returned to the state on June 19. Her body was brought to Kangpokpi district via road from Dimapur airport, and her funeral was held the following day.
The twin losses have cast a long shadow of sorrow across Manipur, with citizens coming together in profound unity— grieving not just for lives lost, but for the dreams and futures cut short too soon.
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