In a deeply tragic turn of events, 26-year-old Lamnunthem Singson, a dedicated Air India cabin crew member, was among the victims of the ill-fated Air India crash that occurred in Ahmedabad yesterday. Her untimely demise has left her family, friends, and colleagues heartbroken—and the community mourning a young life lost in the line of duty.
According to family sources, Singson was not originally scheduled to fly on the ill-fated flight. She stepped in to cover for a colleague who had taken sick leave—a decision that now stands as a heartbreaking twist of fate and a testament to her professionalism and commitment to her job.
Just a night before the tragedy, she had spoken to her mother, Nemneilhing Singson, telling her she wanted to sleep early in preparation for her duty the next day. The two, as was their nightly routine, had prayed together over the phone before sleeping—unaware that it would be their final conversation.
Born on November 13, 1998, Lamnunthem was the only daughter of her widowed mother and the third among four siblings. Her late father, Lienminlun Singson, had passed away years ago. Following the ethnic violence that engulfed Manipur in May 2023, the Singson family, belonging to the Kuki-Zo community, fled their ancestral home in Imphal’s Old Lambulane area and have since lived in a rented house in Kangpokpi district.
Despite facing immense challenges, Lamnunthem emerged as the family's sole breadwinner. Her eldest brother, Ngamlienthang, is battling a serious medical condition and is under treatment in Guwahati, while her youngest sibling, Lenjathang, is still too young to work. Her second brother, Thanggoulam, along with a cousin, left for Ahmedabad via Dimapur this morning, while Ngamlienthang is en route from Guwahati.
A bright student and resilient spirit, Lamnunthem began her early education at Lee Faith School in Paite Veng, which was later destroyed during the Manipur unrest. She completed her matriculation from Christ Jyoti School, Mantripukhri, pursued her higher secondary education at HRD Academy, and graduated from GP Women’s College, Imphal. She joined Air India in February 2023—a dream she achieved against all odds.
Her family and those who knew her remember her as a loving daughter, a responsible sister, and a dedicated professional who always put others first.
The loss of such a promising young woman has deeply shaken the displaced Kuki-Zo community and highlighted once again the personal toll of national tragedies.
Lamnunthem Singson's story will now stands as a solemn reminder of duty, sacrifice, and the human cost of disaster.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
