Father’s Day in Manipur’s Kangpokpi turned into a day of deep sorrow and remembrance as the town mourned the tragic loss of 26-year-old Lamnunthem Singson, a cabin crew member of Air India who perished in the devastating plane crash near Ahmedabad on Thursday. Singson, a native of Kangpokpi, had been living in a temporary shelter with her family after being displaced by the ethnic conflict that erupted in Manipur in May 2023.
The Air India Boeing 787, bound for London, crashed minutes after takeoff, killing all 241 passengers and crew members on board, along with at least 29 people on the ground. Lamnunthem, who had filled in for a sick colleague at the last minute, was the sole breadwinner in her family and had worked tirelessly to support her loved ones despite their displacement.
On June 15, Father’s Day, the grief-stricken town came together in solidarity. Members of the Kangpokpi Town Committee (KTC), all men, visited Lamnunthem’s family at their temporary residence in Ngambom Veng, Ward No. 8, offering condolences and support. KTC Chairman Seilam Singsit presented a traditional shawl to Singson’s mother and addressed the gathering with heavy emotion.
“Today, on Father’s Day, we stand as fathers of this town and as fathers to the one we lost,” Singsit said. “Her light has gone out, but her courage shines on in our hearts.”
The moving tribute was attended by representatives from the Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organisation, Kangpokpi Youth Union, and the Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship, with prayers offered for the departed soul. Community leaders pledged continued support to the bereaved family until Lamnunthem’s remains are brought home.
Another victim of the crash was identified as 21-year-old Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam from Thoubal district, also a cabin crew member. Her death has also sparked grief across Manipur, momentarily bridging ethnic divisions as both hills and valley communities mourn together.
Singson’s brothers arrived in Ahmedabad late Friday to assist with the identification process by providing DNA samples. The DNA matching is expected to take place early this week to facilitate the return of her remains.
In Kangpokpi Market, where Singson was known to many shopkeepers and locals, stories of her determination and kindness echoed throughout the day. “She was one of our brightest stars,” said a KTC member. “Her journey was cut short, but her memory will always live on in every corner of this town.”
