Many mourn demise of Nganthoi, Lamnuthem
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 14 2025:
Condolences poured in from different quarters mourning the tragic loss of the two young Air India cabin crew members from the State who were among the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash.
The Air India flight bound for London with 242 people on board (232 passengers), including two crew members from Manipur - Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma and Lamnunthem Singson, crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, soon after it took off, resulting in a devastating loss of life with only one survivor.
Expressing profound sadness over the demise of the two young girls, the People's Progressive Alliance Manipur (PPAM) said, "Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and communities during this unfathomable time of grief and loss".
"Beyond their professional duties, Nganthoi and Lamnunthem were symbols of hope-two young women from different communities divided by conflict, yet united in their dream to serve the skies.
They represented the very best of Manipur's diversity: Nganthoi, a Meitei from the valley, and Lamnunthem, a Kuki from the rolling hills, both wearing the same uniform, serving the same flights, and welcoming every passenger with a warm smile.
Their bond across cultural lines was a microcosm of a more harmonious world, one in which mutual respect and shared purpose prevail", it added.
The PPAM also paid tribute to all the passengers and crew who perished on Flight AI171, and those impacted on the ground in Ahmedabad.
"In the wake of this calamity, let us remember that while conflict may keep communities apart on Earth, it cannot separate the hearts of those who serve together.
Nganthoi and Lamnunthem, bom of different communities, now soar side by side beyond the clouds", it added.
Extending deepest condolences to the loved ones of Nganthoi and Lamnunthem, the PPAM prayed that may their spirits find peace in the boundless skies, and may their story inspire all to build bridges where walls once stood.
With deepest sorrow and heavy hearts, the Federal Students' Organisation, Kangleipak (FESOK) has also mourned the tragic loss of Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma and Lamnunthem Singson, two courageous sisters from Manipur, who served as cabin crew on the ill-fated Air India flight that met with a fatal crash on June 12."In their lives, they embodied dedication, compassion, and the spirit of true service", said FESOK while adding that their untimely passing has left an irreplaceable emptiness in the hearts of their families, friends, colleagues, and all who knew them.
Extending solidarity with their loved ones in this time of extreme grief and sorrow, FESOK prayed that may the Creator grant their souls eternal peace in heaven and give strength to their families to bear this profound loss.
The All Manipur Gorkha Students' Union (AMGSU) has also conveyed its deepest condolences and solidarity with the families of the two young and dedicated cabin crew members from Manipur who tragically lost their lives in the Air India crash that occurred yesterday in Ahmedabad.
"This is an immense loss not only to their families but also to the entire state of Manipur and the nation.
Both individuals served with commitment and represented the spirit and potential of our youth on national platforms", said AMGSU .
The AMGSU also prayed that may their souls rest in eternal peace, and may the bereaved families find the strength and resilience to endure this unimaginable pain.
The Economic Development Research Group, Manipur, has also expressed deep shock over the tragic demise of the two young cabin crew members from Manipur.
Dr L Krishnamangol Singh, founder general secretary, Economic Development Research Group and other members of the group also extended their solidarity to the bereaved families.
Moreover, Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), has also expressed profound sorrow over the tragic Air India flight crash which claimed multiple lives, including two young cabin crew members from Manipur.
Today, the MP along with wife Akoijam Ongbi Olivia, visited the Thoubal Awang Leikai residence of Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma to offer their condolences and share the grief & sorrow of the bereaved family.
CELIN Digital, Bahujana Sahitya Academy (National Committee of India) and Manipur People's Front have also condoled the loss of lives in the Air India flight crash and extended solidarity to the bereaved families.