Imphal: The mortal remains of Air India Flight AI 171 victim Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, a 22-year-old cabin crew member from Manipur, were brought home in an Indigo flight that landed at Imphal Airport on Sunday.
Nganthoi was one of the 241 people who lost their lives when the aircraft crashed just seconds after takeoff in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on June 12. Her body was identified earlier in the week through forensic methods.
Another Manipur resident, 28-year-old Lamnunthem Singson, a Kuki cabin crew member, was also among the deceased. Her mortal remains reached her hometown in Kangpokpi district late Thursday night.
Nganthoi’s remains were escorted by her family members from the national capital. Upon arrival at Imphal airport, officials from the Civil Aviation department and aerodrome staff received the body.
A solemn floral tribute ceremony was held inside the airport premises, where civil aviation staff, family, friends, and dignitaries, including Chief Secretary PK Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh, Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, and Thoubal MLA Surjakumar Okram paid their respects.
Nganthoi, a native of Thoubal Makha Leikai in Thoubal district, had been serving as a flight attendant with Air India for over five years.
People lined the roads to offer floral tributes and bid farewell to the young woman as her remains were carried from the airport towards her hometown. Community leaders, student unions and women’s organisations hailed her as a “Daughter of the soil” and a symbol of courage and aspiration.
The final rites, scheduled for Sunday in Thoubal, were conducted according to Meitei rituals with full honours and community participation. “The tragic loss of Nganthoi has deeply saddened all of Manipur. Her dedication and service will be remembered. We stand with her family during this time of immense grief,” said Bimol.
