Many condole loss of state's crew members in Air India crash
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 13 2025: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, as well as several organisations, institutions and political parties deeply mourned the tragic loss of two young women from the state - Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam of Thoubal and Lamnunthem Singson of Kangpokpi - who were among the victims of the Air India Flight A1171 crash that occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad.

Both women, in their early 20s, served as cabin crew members on board the ill-fated flight en route to London's Gatwick.

Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam

The mishap claimed over 260 lives including the plane's passengers and crew members, and students of a medical institute where the plane plunged.

In a condolence message, Governor Bhalla expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of two daughters of Manipur - Nganthoi and Lamnunthem, extended sincere condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with the people of Manipur in this moment of grief.

"Their memory will be cherished, and their contributions remembered with pride," he added.

Lamnunthem Singson

In separate releases, Communist Party of India Manipur State Council, Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur Pradesh, Federation of Civil Society Organisation (FOCS), Kangleipak Students' Association, All Manipur Muslim Students' Organisation (AMMSO), Sainik School Imphal and Manipur Handloom & Handicraft Development Corporation former chairman Sagolshem Achouba expressed deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad which claimed the lives of passengers and crew members including two promising cabin crew members from Manipur Nganthoi and Lamnunthem.

They prayed to the Almighty for eternal peace of the departed souls and strength for the families and loved ones left behind to bear the tragedy.

BJP Manipur Pradesh also extended condolence over the untimely demise of former chief minister of Gujarat and BJP in-charge Punjab Vijay Rupani in the tragedy, adding that it is an irreparable loss to Gujarat and the whole nation.

Students of Sainik School, Imphal led by principal Col A Rajiv observed two minute silence as a mark of condolence and solidarity to the families of the departed soul.

"We appeal to all communities in Manipur to reflect on this tragic moment, if we can mourn together, why can't we live together in peace?" AMMSO said in its condolence message, urging the government to organise a state level condolence programme in honour of these brave daughters of the soil, to pay tribute not only their lives and service, but also to the larger message of unity their memory inspire.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), in a statement, expressed profound sorrow and deep shock over the incident, describing the deceased duo as "precious young daughters of our soil" whose dreams, dedication, and courage represented the aspiration and spirit of the youth of Manipur.

"Their loss is not only personal to their families but also a collective heartbreak for the entire people of Manipur," the release stated.

Extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, COCOMI said that the two will be remembered as symbols of courage, hope, and inspiration.

"If there is a life beyond this one, and if the soul chooses to return, we pray you come back once again as proud daughters of this very motherland, Manipur," it said.

While mourning the loss of the two young crew members and sharing the grief of the bereaved families, FOCS expressed its belief that this tragic incident should serve as an anchor to restore peace, harmony, and normalcy in the state.

FOCS said that it is a firm believer of "living together in love and support while alive is the key to sustainable prosperity and peace in the state" .

"The tragedy comes at a time when the state continues to face hardships from threats posed by illegal immigrants to the state's unity, integrity, and identity," it noted and expressed optimism that the tragic incident would rekindle hope for peace and harmony.

Recalling how the two victims, fondly known as Thoi and Them, smiled and worked together, AMMSO said that they embodied the shared aspirations of Manipur's youth.

"In life, they showed us the path of unity and peace; in death, they have become symbols of hope," AMMSO stated.

North East India Thailand (NEIT) also conveyed condolences, praying for peaceful repose of the victims and expressing solidarity with the bereaved families.

Meanwhile, the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Thoubal District Branch held an emergency meeting on Thursday at its office at Kshetri Shanglen, Thoubal, to mourn the victims of the Air India Flight A1171 crash.

Chaired by vice-president of the IRCS branch and patron member Dr Ksh Man-glem, the meeting observed a two-minute silence in honour of the 241 people who perished, including two young cabin crew members from Manipur.

The society extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls to rest in peace.

Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic crash and conveying solidarity to the families of the victims including the two young crew members from the state, CPI Manipur State Council criticised the government for failing to ensure adequate safety measures and called for action against those responsible.

The party recalled former Railway Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri's moral responsibility during a train tragedy and questioned who would take responsibility for this one.

CPI demanded a transparent investigation, citing the aircraft's failure to take lift and crash within 40 seconds of take-off, to ensure accountability and prevent future mishaps.

Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA) expressed grief over the tragic loss of the two crew members.

Remembering their courage and dedication, KSA said that their passing is a painful loss to all the natives of the state and extended condolences and solidarity to the bereaved families, praying for peace and strength in this time of sorrow.