GUWAHATI: The mortal remains of Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma (22), one of the two cabin crew members from Manipur who tragically lost their lives in the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, were brought home on Sunday to an emotional outpouring of grief.
Sharma, a native of Thoubal district, was part of the cabin crew aboard the London-bound Air India flight AI 171, which crashed into a hostel complex in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1.39 pm on 12 June. The crash claimed 270 lives, including 241 on board. One passenger survived.
Her mortal remains, accompanied by her father and elder sister who had travelled to Ahmedabad for DNA identification zarrived at Imphal International Airport aboard an IndiGo flight. A large number of mourners, including her family members, relatives, Chief Secretary P.K. Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, and other senior officials, were present at the airport to receive her.
In a Facebook post, Airport wrote:
"After a long, sleepless day and night filled with sorrow and aching hearts, our beloved (L) Ms. Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam has finally returned home her final journey completed as she arrived at Imphal International Airport aboard an IndiGo flight."
"The moment was profoundly moving. She was received with deep dignity, solemn respect, and heartfelt sorrow by Team Imphal Airport, not merely as colleagues in uniform but as family in mourning united in silence and reverence… It was more than a reception it was a homecoming of love, loss, and remembrance at the very airport where her dreams once soared."
A cousin shared that floral tributes were paid by airport officials, family, and well-wishers upon her arrival. Later, her remains were transported in an open truck to her residence in Thoubal, where thousands lined both sides of the road to pay their last respects to the young Meitei woman.
Sharma had joined Air India three years ago while pursuing her undergraduate studies. Her last rites were scheduled to be performed later in the evening.
The other cabin crew member from Manipur, Lamnunthem Singson (26), was also among the crash victims. Her mortal remains were brought to Kangpokpi district on 19 June via road from Dimapur Airport, following arrival on an IndiGo flight from Ahmedabad. Singson, who belonged to the Kuki community, was laid to rest the following day.
( With inputs from PTI )