Lamnunthem Elevated Kangpokpi to a Widely Identical Name on the World Map, Says Nemcha Kipgen as Town Bids Tearful Farewell to Air India Crash Victim

In a moment heavy with sorrow and pride, the town of Kangpokpi laid to rest one of its brightest souls—Lamnunthem Singson, the young cabin crew member of Air India who tragically lost her life in the recent Ahmedabad air crash. She was buried with full honour and heartfelt tributes on Friday afternoon at the Kangpokpi Town Cemetery following an emotionally charged farewell ceremony.

The funeral, held at her residence in Ngambom Veng, Ward No. 8, drew thousands of mourners—relatives, friends, civil society leaders, and prominent figures from across the Kuki-Zo community. The gathering began at 11:00 a.m., turning into a sea of grief as people paid their last respects to a life lost too soon.

Among the many dignitaries present were MLA Nemcha Kipgen, SP Kangpokpi Manoj Prabhakar, and officials of the 112 Battalion CRPF, all of whom stood in solemn solidarity with the grieving family.

In her emotional tribute, MLA Nemcha Kipgen hailed Lamnunthem as not just a daughter of Kangpokpi, but a symbol of hope and courage for the entire community.

“Though Lamnunthem lived a short life, she elevated Kangpokpi to a widely identical name on the world map through her supreme sacrifice while serving the country,” she said, her voice choked with emotion.

“She was more than a victim of tragedy—she was a story of resilience. Her loss is not just a family’s sorrow; it is our collective grief. To her grieving mother and brothers—your pain is ours, and you are not alone,” she added, before gently wrapping a traditional shawl around Lamnunthem’s coffin as a final gesture of honour and love.

The 112 CRPF personnel, who had earlier received her remains at the airport, also paid their respects by draping the community’s traditional shawl over her body and saluting in unison—a moment that left the crowd in tears.

Rich tributes flowed in from leaders of various civil society organisations, Haipi Baptist Church TBAI, Haipi Village Authority, Ngambom Veng Ward No. 8 Committee, friends, and well-wishers. All remembered Lamnunthem not just as a young professional with dreams, but as a kind-hearted daughter, a Manchester United fan, and a symbol of hope for displaced communities.

Later in the afternoon, Rev. Paominlen Kipgen officiated the final rites at the town cemetery, as Lamnunthem’s widowed mother, brothers, relatives, and friends wept beside her grave in one of the most heartbreaking moments Kangpokpi has witnessed in recent memory.

As the final prayers were said and the earth embraced her gently, Kangpokpi not only bid farewell to a beloved daughter—it also etched her name forever in its heart and history.