Imphal: In a solemn display of unity and grief, thousands of people lined the roads of Manipur to pay their respects to Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, a victim of the tragic Air India Flight AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad.
Her mortal remains were brought to Imphal on Sunday, marking an emotional moment for the state.
Sharma, an air crew member aboard the ill-fated London-bound flight, lost her life when the aircraft crashed into a hostel complex in Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad, shortly after takeoff on June 12.
The crash claimed 270 lives, including 241 passengers and crew members on board. Only one passenger survived.
The atmosphere at Imphal Airport was heavy with sorrow as Team Imphal Airport received Sharma’s remains with deep dignity and respect.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, the airport described the moment: “She was received not merely as a colleague but as family in mourning — united in silence and reverence. With bowed heads and heavy hearts, she was tenderly handed over to her family, friends, and loved ones, whose presence spoke volumes of the love they carry and the void her absence leaves behind.”
The remains, accompanied by Sharma’s father and elder sister who had traveled to Ahmedabad for DNA identification, were carried aboard an IndiGo flight to Imphal.
Floral tributes were paid by airport officials, family members, and well-wishers before her remains were taken to her hometown of Thoubal.
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Transported on an open truck, the procession drew thousands of mourners who lined the streets to pay their last respects.
A family member shared that her last rites would be conducted later in the evening.
Meanwhile, the mortal remains of another Manipur native and crew member, Lamnunthem Singson, were returned to the state on June 19.
Singson’s remains were brought via road to Kangpokpi district from Dimapur airport, also aboard an IndiGo flight from Ahmedabad. Her final rites were conducted the following day.
