A heavy silence cloaked Ngambom Veng Ward No. 8 this afternoon as residents gathered at the modest rented home of Lamnunthem Singson, drawn together by grief, uncertainty, and a deep sense of solidarity after news broke of the tragic Air India crash in Gujarat.
The community came not only to offer prayers, but to stand by a mother whose heart hangs in the balance — waiting for a word, a confirmation, a hope that her daughter might still return.
As of now, no official confirmation has reached the family from the airline or the concerned authorities regarding Lamnunthem Singson’s status, leaving them suspended in confusion and quiet despair.
Her mother, Nemneilhing Singson, holding on to the last conversation she had with her daughter just yesterday evening, recalled that Lamnunthem had travelled to Ahmedabad to report for duty. Though her words trembled with sorrow, they also carried the faint light of a mother’s hope — the hope that perhaps, against all odds, her daughter might still come home.
Lamnunthem is the only daughter in a family of four siblings. Her father passed away some years ago, and her mother has raised her children alone. They once lived in Old Lambulane, Imphal, but were displaced during the Manipur conflict and have since been living in a rented house in Kangpokpi as internally displaced persons.
Today, the warmth of the community enveloped Nemneilhing as she sat in silent anguish, tears flowing freely, surrounded by neighbors, friends, and strangers alike — all united in prayer, all longing for the same impossible answer.
In moments like these, words fail, but hearts speak louder — Kangpokpi stands with the Singson family, in grief, in strength, and in hope.
Another from Manipur, Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam was also among the list of the cabin crew in the Air India flight which crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon.
A pall of sorrow has descended on the Kongbrailatpam household in Manipur after it was confirmed that their daughter, Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam, was among the crew members aboard the ill-fated Air India Flight AI171, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London.
Family members were devastated upon learning of the tragic incident. Nganthoi, known for her dedication and warmth, had been serving with Air India for several years. Her aspirations of reaching new heights in the aviation industry were cut short in a moment that has left the entire community in shock.
In Manipur, relatives, friends, and neighbors gathered at the Kongbrailatpam residence, offering prayers and support as the family awaits further information. The state government has expressed condolences and assured all possible assistance to the bereaved family.
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 13:38 hours, carrying 242 passengers and crew members, as per official sources.
Of the total onboard, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the tragic incident. The cause of the crash is yet to be officially confirmed. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was reportedly among the passengers.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
