Former Manipur Chief Minister and Thoubal MLA O. Ibobi Singh has called for an international-level investigation into the Air India plane crash that occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport, tragically killing all 242 people on board, including 21-year-old Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam from Thoubal Awang Leikai, Manipur.
Speaking to reporters after visiting Nganthoi’s family, Ibobi expressed serious concern over the incident, describing the crash as a “deeply troubling aviation disaster that demands a transparent and thorough inquiry at the highest level.” He questioned how a modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner could suffer dual engine failure within minutes of takeoff, pointing out that such a scenario should be nearly impossible under international aviation safety standards.
“Manipur has lost a bright, promising young woman. Her death, along with 241 others, cannot go unanswered. This is not just an accident—it is a grave failure of safety mechanisms that needs to be investigated at the international level,” Ibobi said, while also extending condolences to all the bereaved families.
The ill-fated Air India flight, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed shortly after departing for London from Ahmedabad late Thursday night. Reports indicate the aircraft had just taken off and reached about 600 feet altitude before both engines failed, leading to a catastrophic crash near the BJ Medical College Mess building. Dozens of casualties were also reported on the ground.
Among the crew members killed was Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam, a 21-year-old from Thoubal who had been working with Air India for over two years. A resident of Thoubal Awang Leikai, she was the eldest of three siblings and the sole breadwinner of her family. Her sudden death has plunged the locality into mourning.
Nganthoi had last contacted her family around 9 p.m. on June 12, just before boarding the flight. Family members recalled her aspirations and pride in serving as a cabin crew member, expressing shock and disbelief at the tragic news.
Ibobi Singh emphasized that the Government of India must treat the incident with the seriousness it deserves and should collaborate with international aviation experts to uncover the cause. “This is not a time for bureaucratic formality. A transparent and internationally monitored investigation must begin immediately,” he said.
The former CM also urged the Union Government to ensure compensation and ex-gratia support for the families of the victims, especially for the dependents of young professionals like Nganthoi who died in service.
The crash has stirred national and international concern, with officials confirming that passengers included 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
As Manipur mourns the loss of one of its daughters, leaders and residents alike have united in demanding answers, not only for closure but to prevent such tragedies in the future.