Imphal: Grief gripped the heart of Manipur as the mortal remains of Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, one of the victims of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, arrived in Imphal on Sunday afternoon. A large crowd gathered at the Imphal International Airport to bid an emotional farewell, showering her with floral tributes and silent prayers.
Nganthoi, a young flight crew member from Thoubal Awang Leikai, was one of the two Manipuris who lost their lives in the devastating crash. Her remains, flown in by an Indigo aircraft, were received with full honours in the presence of dignitaries including Hon’ble MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, MLA Surajkumar Okram, Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh, senior police officials, Air India staff, and Airport Authority personnel.
Following the airport reception, Nganthoi’s body was transported to her hometown in an open truck. As the vehicle moved through the streets, a river of people emerged—lining up silently, some sobbing, others gently tossing flower petals—creating a moving tribute to the life of a daughter of Manipur.
The 5.5-hour journey from Imphal to Thoubal turned into a powerful procession of unity and sorrow, with countless individuals coming out to pay their last respects at every stop along the way.
Just days earlier, the state had witnessed a similar outpouring of grief when the remains of Lamnunthem Singson, the other crew member from Kangpokpi, were brought home.
The loss of Nganthoi has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many—her tragic return a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the love a state can show for one of its own.
