Air India plane crash: Body of Manipuri cabin crew received by family at Dimapur airport
Summary of the News Article
The mortal remains of 26-year-old Lamnunthem Singson, a cabin crew member from Manipur who died in the crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad on June 12, were received by her family at Dimapur Airport in Nagaland on June 19. Identified through DNA testing, Singson’s body was flown by an Indigo aircraft from Ahmedabad before being transported overland to her home in Kangpokpi district. The journey bypassed Imphal due to ongoing ethnic tensions in the region. Community leaders, including the Kuki Students’ Organisation, accompanied the process, ensuring security and honoring local sensitivities
Ahmedabad Air India Crash: Journey of Lamnunthem Singson’s Mortal Remains
In the wake of the devastating Air India Flight 171 crash on June 12, the story of Lamnunthem Singson’s final journey from Ahmedabad to Manipur intertwines themes of grief, community solidarity, and deep-rooted ethnic dynamics.
The Tragedy Unfolds
On June 12, Air India Flight 171, bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 241 people aboard, and only one survivor – a horrifying toll for passengers and those on the ground. Among the victims were two young cabin crew members from Manipur: Lamnunthem Singson, aged 26, and 20-year-old Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma
DNA Confirmation & Family’s Decision
The aftermath was marked by painstaking DNA identification. Lamnunthem’s identity was formally established, paving the way for her body to be repatriated . Her family chose to receive her body in Dimapur, Nagaland, rather than via Imphal, opting for a longer and more secure land route to Kangpokpi due to ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur
The Emotional Reception at Dimapur
On June 19, around 10 family vehicles and Kuki community leaders greeted the Indigo flight carrying Lamnunthem’s remains at Dimapur Airport. A brief prayer and floral tribute marked the emotional scene, honoring her life before the procession set off for Kangpokpi
Navigating Ethnic Strife
The decision to avoid Imphal was deeply rooted in ethnic polarisation that erupted during the 2023 conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Lamnunthem’s family relocated from Imphal to Kangpokpi during that period . While manypublic bodies, like COCOMI, offered support and suggested receiving her remains via Imphal, her family preferred safety and solidarity with their community .
Community Solidarity & Security Arrangements
The Kuki Students’ Organisation played a vital role, mobilizing reception teams at Dimapur and accompanying the convoy to Kangpokpi. Security was ensured, with prayers and alerts across the route. A candlelight vigil and human chain in Kangpokpi reflected widespread grief and solidarity
Awaiting Second Repatriation
Preparations continue for the remains of Nganthoi Sharma, the Meitei cabin crew member who also perished in the crash. Her family awaits DNA confirmation and transportation back to Thoubal, near Imphal
A Broader Context
This tragedy underscores not just aviation failure, but also communal tensions. Despite DNA confirmation and state offers of cooperation, family concerns about safety and respect have significantly influenced the repatriation route and reception of Lamnunthem’s body
In-Depth Coverage: The Full Story
1. The Ahmedabad Crash and Its Toll
Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed soon after takeoff on June 12 from Ahmedabad, en route to London. The crash claimed the lives of 241 onboard and at least 39 on the ground, with widespread devastation near the Civil Hospital campus. A lone survivor, seated at 11A, miraculously made it out alive
Among the dead were two brave cabin crew from Manipur—Lamnunthem Singson and Nganthoi Sharma—who perished during their duty amid tragedy. News outlets vividly portrayed the scene: thick smoke, wreckage, and grieving survivors at the crash site
2. Heartbreaking Identification Efforts
After the crash, teams retrieved and matched DNA samples of victims. Lamnunthem was confirmed dead through these tests; similarly, Nganthoi’s family waited anxiously for theirs. Official sources noted that DNA matches had been found in over 200 bodies while others remained unmatched
3. Choosing a Safe Return Path
Despite state authorities proposing reception at Imphal Airport with full security, Lamnunthem’s family opted for a route via Dimapur. Their decision highlights fear and trauma tied to ethnic divisions, fearing possible complications or danger in transit newindianexpress.com+9ndtv.com+9timesofindia.indiatimes.com+9.
4. Pilgrimage of Grief at Dimapur
Her body arrived at Dimapur’s airport on June 19 via an Indigo flight. The Kuki Students’ Organisation and family members received her, holding a solemn prayer ceremony, followed by a convoy escorting the remains across Nagaland and Manipur. The journey, marked by community presence, symbolized collective sorrow, resilience, and respect
5. Ethnic Context: Underlying Conflict
The tension between Meitei and Kuki communities has persisted since 2023. Lamnunthem’s family, previously residing in Imphal’s Old Lambulane colony, moved to Kangpokpi as internally displaced people. Community organizations like TSA and COCOMI have appealed for unity and undignified repatriation, condemning politicization of the tragedy
6. Local Support and Security Measures
Security teams from both states accompanied the convoy. Local committees in Kangpokpi set up candlelight vigils and prayer chains. Meanwhile, the Manipur government reaffirmed its willingness to support the families, respecting their route choices and ensuring dignified handling of remains .
7. The Unresolved Waiting
The body of Nganthoi Sharma, of the Meitei community, still awaits confirmation and transportation. The state remains prepared, but proceeds according to family wishes, emphasizing sincere intent to honor both young women equally .
Why This Matters: Human Stories Meet Ethnic Realities
- Personal Grief: Behind global headlines lie shattered families, especially Tamnunthem’s mother who is “devastated and unable to imagine life without her daughter” .
- Ethnic Intersection: This repatriation is more than logistics—it mirrors cultural distrust lingering since 2023 conflict, where community safety came before geography.
- Community Agency: Organizations like KSO, TSA, and he Koch Coordinating Committee for Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) stepped forward—balancing solidarity and restraint.
- Broader Reflection: A stark reminder to governments and societies about inclusive mourning, ensuring grief is never exploited by conflict or politics.
8. What’s Next
- Final rites in Kangpokpi: Scheduled for June 20–21, supported by community and security teams.
- Awaiting Nganthoi Sharma’s return: Ongoing DNA testing and repatriation logistics.
- Community healing efforts: Local groups continue calls for unity and peaceful coexistence in Manipur.
- Crash investigation: Authorities are still decoding black box data, uncovering causes behind the first fatal Boeing 787 hull loss .
FAQs (5 Unique Questions)
- Why did Lamnunthem’s family choose Dimapur over Imphal for receiving her body?
To avoid ethnic tension hotspots and ensure a safer, unhassled journey, they opted for a longer but more secure route via Dimapur. - Who is part of the Kuki Students’ Organisation and what role did they play?
KSO is a student community group from Kuki-Zo areas. They coordinated reception at Dimapur, assisted with the convoy, and ensured prayers and security support. - Is the state government supporting both families equally?
Yes, Manipur’s government has pledged respectful, secure handling of remains and flexible transit plans tailored to each family’s wishes. - When will the second cabin crew member, Nganthoi Sharma, be repatriated?
Her DNA test results are in progress; her family is waiting for positive confirmation before repatriation is scheduled. - What steps are authorities taking to prevent politicization of this tragedy?
Civil society groups, including TSA and Meitei Heritage Society, have urged unity and condemned attempts to exploit the tragedy politically, calling for respectful commemorations without communal divide
