Body of Manipur crew member killed in Ahmedabad air crash brought home via Nagaland
The body of Lamnunthem Singson, a 26-year-old cabin crew member of the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, was brought to her home State of Manipur on Thursday (June 19, 2025), via Dimapur in neighbouring Nagaland, amid prevailing ethnic tensions.
Ms. Singson's mortal remains were flown from Ahmedabad to Dimapur Airport by an IndiGo flight. Members of her family, community elders, and relatives received the body at the airport and subsequently transported it by road to Kangpokpi district in Manipur, located about 160 km from Dimapur.
According to family members, the decision to receive the body at Dimapur, instead of Imphal Airport, was taken due to ongoing ethnic violence and related security concerns in Manipur. Ms. Singson belonged to the Thadou tribal community, which is associated by some with the Kuki-Zo group.
The last rites were expected to be performed late Thursday (June 19, 2025) night upon arrival of the body in Kangpokpi.
Ms. Singson was one of two crew members from Manipur aboard the ill-fated AI-171 flight. The other, 20-year-old Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, belonged to the Meitei community. Her body has yet to be brought back to the State.
Earlier, Manipur Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh said in an official statement that the State government had made necessary arrangements to ensure the remains of both crew members were treated with the 'highest dignity and respect' and safely returned to their respective homes.
'However, the final decision regarding the mode of reception, ceremonies, and other arrangements is respectfully left to the bereaved families. The State is committed to providing all necessary support as per their wishes,' the statement added.
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