In Death, A Plea For Unity: Manipur Struggles To Honour Daughters Lost In Ahmedabad
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In Death, A Plea For Unity: Manipur Struggles To Honour Daughters Lost In Ahmedabad
In Death, A Plea For Unity: Manipur Struggles To Honour Daughters Lost In Ahmedabad. The bereaved families of two young girls from Manipur, who were on board the doomed Air India Flight 171, continue to search for their daughters’ remains. The victims, Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma from Thoubal and Namlunthem Singson from Old Lambulane, Imphal, lost their lives when the London-bound flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12. A prominent Meitei pressure group has issued a public appeal, urging peaceful cooperation in receiving the mortal remains of both women. Kuki sources have expressed skepticism about COCOMI’s offer, calling it a “show of optics” rather than a genuine attempt at inclusivity. They fear that using Imphal Airport for the repatriation could pose risks to the grieving family.
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CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra
Last Updated: June 18, 2025, 08:37 IST
A prominent Meitei pressure group has issued a public appeal, urging peaceful cooperation in receiving the mortal remains of both women though Kukis remain sceptical
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The bereaved families of two young girls from Manipur, who were on board the doomed Air India Flight 171, continue to search for their daughters’ remains in Ahmedabad. The victims, Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma from Thoubal and Namlunthem Singson from Old Lambulane, Imphal, lost their lives when the London-bound flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12.
London-bound Air India Flight AI-171 had barely lifted off Ahmedabad airport before it plunged into a crowded neighbourhood. (PTI Photo)
For the first time since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI)—a prominent Meitei pressure group—has issued a public appeal, urging peaceful cooperation in receiving the mortal remains of both women. Stressing that both daughters belong to Manipur, COCOMI emphasised that their return should be dignified and handled sensitively.
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In its statement, COCOMI expressed deep sorrow over the loss and called upon civil society, youth organisations, and the general public to support efforts to receive the bodies at Imphal Airport. The committee also requested the state government and administrative authorities to ensure smooth logistical arrangements for the transfer. The identification and repatriation process is currently underway and is expected to take approximately 72 hours.
While COCOMI’s statement has been seen by many in the Meitei community as a positive and unprecedented move, reactions among Kuki groups have been more guarded.
Speaking to News18, Sandesh Kumar Sharma, father of Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi, said: “We still haven’t found my daughter’s body in Ahmedabad. The search is ongoing, and we don’t know when we will get confirmation. But if the body of that Kuki girl also comes via Imphal, why should we have a problem?”
However, sources close to the Singson family indicate that her remains are likely to be brought home via Dimapur, not Imphal, due to safety concerns. Kuki sources have expressed skepticism about COCOMI’s offer, calling it a “show of optics” rather than a genuine attempt at inclusivity. They fear that using Imphal Airport for the repatriation could pose risks to the grieving family.
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Speaking to News18, Ginza Vualzong, spokesman of ITLF (Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum), said: “Coming from an organisation that declared war on the Kuki-Zo, the COCOMI offer for Lamnunthem’s body to come via Imphal Airport is a good gesture. Unfortunately, since May 3, 2023, for the Kuki-Zo to enter Meitei territory is a risk of lives. I believe it is best for the family to bring the body through Dimapur Airport for now.”
Despite the divided opinions, several observers and experts have acknowledged that COCOMI’s appeal is a significant gesture—marking a rare moment of outreach and potential unity amid ongoing tensions in Manipur. As both families wait anxiously in Ahmedabad, there is hope that dignity and compassion will prevail above all else.
About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar… Read More Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar… Read More
Location : Manipur, India, India
First Published: June 18, 2025, 08:25 IST