A pall of grief has descended over Manipur as two young women from the state are feared to be among the victims of the tragic Air India Flight AI171 crash that occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The ill-fated Boeing 787 Dreamliner, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, was carrying 242 people — 232 passengers and 10 crew members — when it went down in the Meghaninagar area of Ahmedabad. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed the crash and launched an investigation, although the exact cause is still unknown. Search and rescue operations are currently underway. Among those on board were Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma from Thoubal district and Singson Lamnunthem, originally from Old Lambulane, Imphal West. Lamnunthem had been relocated to Kangpokpi district after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur last year. Both women joined Air India as cabin crew members in 2023, carrying the hopes of their families into the skies.
The news has sent shockwaves through the conflict-weary state, where over 250 people have died and more than 60,000 have been displaced since ethnic clashes broke out in May 2023. For the families of the two young women, the pain is immeasurable. “We last spoke to her on Wednesday. She told us she was flying to London. We never imagined that would be the last conversation,” said Goulun Singson, a relative of Lamnunthem. The young woman is the only daughter among three siblings, raised by her mother, Nemneilhing Singson, after her father’s death. At their temporary residence in Kangpokpi’s Ngambom Veng Ward No. 8, a crowd of neighbours and well-wishers gathered, offering silent prayers and support. “She left for duty with hope in her eyes. I still believe she will return,” her mother said tearfully. In Thoubal, the home of Nganthoi Sharma remained shuttered as the family awaited official news. Local MLA Surjakumar Okram visited the residence and assured that efforts were being made to obtain confirmation from Air India and central authorities.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed his sorrow on social media, writing, “I am deeply shocked and grieved by the tragic Air India flight crash near Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad, this afternoon. This heartbreaking incident has shaken the entire nation. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.” An official statement from Air India confirmed that the passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals, along with two infants. The airline assured that all emergency services had been mobilized and that it is working closely with the DGCA and local authorities.
