Manipur holds candlelight vigil for victims of Ahmedabad plane crash

IMPHAL — A candlelight vigil and sky beam tribute was held in Thoubal district, Manipur, on Saturday night to honour the memory of Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma and Lamnunthem Singson, two of the 242 people who lost their lives in the Air India plane crash.

Both women from Manipur were part of the 10-member cabin crew on the London-bound Air India flight that tragically crashed near Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, shortly after takeoff.

People for Animals Manipur (PFA), Social Reformation Union Thoubal, Social Service and Welfare Association Thoubal, and others organised a poignant tribute, with candles lit and prayers offered for the two Manipuri victims and the 272 others who lost their lives in the Air India crash.

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In a symbolic gesture, two light beams of different colours were projected into the sky representing Nganthoi and Lamnunthem. At one point, the two beams collided to signify that the two young girls were united in heaven.

Following a two-minute silence, prayers were offered for the departed souls to rest in peace. The organisers expressed hope that their union in heaven would bring peace to Manipur and inspire peaceful coexistence.

“The candlelight and sky beam tribute was to honour the memory of our beloved sisters, offering our deepest condolences while symbolising the harmony and unity they now inspire beyond the skies,” said managing trustee L Biswajit of PFA Manipur.

On Friday, Lok Sabha MP Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, along with his wife Olivia, paid a condolence visit to Nganthoi's family in Thoubal Awang Leikai, offering words of comfort.

Meanwhile, the Thadou Baptist Association Church in Kangpokpi also held a special service, bringing together church members and locals in a show of solidarity and mourning.

Various organisations, including the Communist Party of India Manipur State Council, Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur Pradesh, and several student and civil society groups, issued separate statements expressing deep sorrow and grief over the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of two promising cabin crew members from Manipur among others.