Imphal, June 22: After several days of the tragic Air India flight AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad, the mortal remains of Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, one of the cabin crew members on board the same flight, arrived at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal on Sunday. The body arrived as scheduled on IndiGo flight 6E 5118 at 12:59 pm.
Nganthoi Sharma, who was 22 years old, worked as a cabin crew member on the same Air India flight. She was among the people who died when the plane crashed just seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad on June 12.
Also read | Mortal Remains of K Nganthoi Sharma Arrive in Imphal
Another cabin crew member from Manipur, 28-year-old Lamnunthem Singson from the Kuki community, also died in the same crash. Her body reached her hometown in Kangpokpi district of Manipur late Thursday night.
The IndiGo flight that brought Nganthoi’s mortal remains to Imphal was accompanied by her family members. After the flight landed at Imphal, her mortal remains were received by officials of the Civil Aviation Department and airport staff.
A floral tribute ceremony was held at the airport premises. Staff members of Air India, her friends, family, and well-wishers took part in the event. Manipur Chief Secretary PK Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, and Thoubal MLA Surjakumar Okram also attended the ceremony and offered floral tributes to honour her memory and service.
Nganthoi was a resident of Thoubal Makha Leikai in Thoubal district. Her body was identified earlier this week using forensic methods and was transported to Manipur on Sunday.
A heavy sense of sorrow filled the air as her body was taken from the airport to her hometown. Many people stood along the roadside to pay their final respects and offered flowers as the funeral procession passed by.
Nganthoi had worked with Air India for more than five years as a flight attendant. She was known for her kind nature and hardworking attitude. Her death has brought great sadness not only to her family but also to people across Manipur. Many tributes have come in from different parts of the state.
Community leaders, student organisations, and women’s groups also expressed their condolences. They called her a “daughter of the soil” and praised her as a symbol of hope, courage, and achievement for the youth of Manipur.
Also read | NPF Slams Amit Shah’s Remark on English, Calls It ‘Unfortunate and Disappointing’
Lok Sabha MP, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam also shared his heartfelt condolences. He said, “The tragic loss of Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi has deeply saddened all of Manipur. Her dedication and service will be remembered. We stand with her family during this time of immense grief.”
(Newmai News Network)