Manipur: Father’s Day turns sombre as Kangpokpi mourns Air India crash victim Lamnunthem Singson

Air India cabin crew member Lamnunthem Singson from Kangpokpi, who died in Thursday's devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, has become a symbol of resilience and loss for her community. The 26-year-old was the sole earning member of her family, which had been displaced by ethnic violence in Manipur.

Father's Day took on profound meaning in Kangpokpi as community leaders transformed the occasion into one of collective mourning and support. The all-male Kangpokpi Town Committee (KTC) members visited Singson's grieving family at their temporary residence in Ngambom Veng, Ward No. 8.

Singson wasn't originally scheduled for the fatal London-bound flight but had stepped in for a sick colleague—a decision that cost her life. The Air India Boeing 787 crashed minutes after takeoff, killing 241 people aboard and at least 29 on the ground.

KTC Chairman Seilam Singsit presented a traditional shawl to Singson's mother during the visit, which also included representatives from the Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organisation, Kangpokpi Youth Union, and Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship.

"Today, on Father's Day, we stand as fathers of this town and as fathers to the one we lost. We share your grief as our own," Singsit said. "Lamnunthem was a daughter of Kangpokpi, a shining light in our midst, and her absence has left a silence we cannot fill."

The community gathering offered prayers and pledged unwavering support until Singson's remains are returned home. Singson had been living in the Kuki-dominated hill district of Kangpokpi after being displaced from Imphal by ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023.

The crash also claimed another cabin crew member from Manipur—21-year-old Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam from Thoubal district—creating shared grief that has bridged ethnic divisions in the state.

Singson's brothers arrived in Ahmedabad late Friday to provide DNA samples for victim identification. Family sources indicate the DNA testing will be conducted early this week.

"Lamnunthem was one of Kangpokpi's brightest stars," said a KTC member. "Her journey was cut far too short. We miss her deeply. She will live on in the hearts of every citizen of this town."

The tragedy has united a community already scarred by conflict, as leaders and residents prepare to welcome home their daughter with dignity and honour her memory as someone who persevered despite overwhelming challenges.