Kangpokpi Delegation Departs to Receive Air India Crash Victim’s Remains

Imphal, June 19: The Kuki Students’ Organisation Sadar Hills and the Sadar Hills Private Schools’ Association (SHIPS), along with the family and relatives of the late Singson Lamnunthem, a crew member of Air India who passed away aboard the ill-fated flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, left Kangpokpi for Dimapur early morning on Thursday to receive her mortal remains.

In a solemn display of unity and mourning, community leaders from Kangpokpi also joined the delegation to receive the mortal remains of the late Singson Lamnunthem at Dimapur Airport.

Related | Two Manipur Crew Members Confirmed Dead in AI-171 Crash

Singson’s body, accompanied by two elder brothers and a cousin, was flown out of Ahmedabad at 8 AM and is expected to arrive at Dimapur Airport by 1:45 PM

A condolence service has been arranged at the airport under the initiative of the Kuki Union Dimapur, with participation from the Naga Council Dimapur and the Director of the Airport Authority of India, Dimapur. The service is expected to bring together representatives from various communities in a gesture of solidarity and shared grief.

Following the ceremony, the funeral entourage will begin its return journey to Kangpokpi.

The passing of Lamnunthem Singson and Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, both from Manipur has cast a shadow of sorrow across the Northeast region, with community members continuing to express condolences and offer support to the grieving family.

Also read | Air India Takes Final Departure From Imphal Airport; AI Express to Continue Service

The Air India flight, headed to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed in Ahmedabad shortly after take-off, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed. Among the deceased crew members were Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma from Thoubal district and Singson Lamnunthem from Kangpokpi, originally from Imphal West.

It is worth noting that the ill fated AI171 had 242 souls onboard the Boeing 787-8 aircraft, with only one survivor who was seated in Seat no. 11A.

It may be added that N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, the conglomerate conveyed that the Tata Group has committed to providing ₹1 crore to the families of each person who lost their life in the tragedy. Furthermore, the company will cover the medical expenses of the injured and ensure they receive the necessary care and support.