The Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) has condoled the untimely demise of two young women from Manipur—Lamnunthlem Singson and Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma—who were among the cabin crew members killed in the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171. The flight, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed on June 12, 2025, claiming several lives.
In a condolence message issued on Thursday, the TSA expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The association described the tragedy as a great loss to both the Thadou and Meitei communities, and assured necessary support to the victims’ families.
Lamnunthlem Singson, daughter of (Late) Lenminlun Singson, belonged to the Thadou community. Originally from Old Lambulane in Imphal, she was living at a relief camp in Kangpokpi district as an internally displaced person (IDP) following the ethnic violence that broke out in the state in May 2023. She had recently joined Air India as a cabin crew member in 2024, and her death has been mourned as the loss of a determined young woman whose aspirations were shaped in the shadow of conflict.
The other victim, Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, belonged to the Meitei community. TSA, while primarily representing the Thadou community, acknowledged her loss with equal sympathy and conveyed condolences to her grieving family.
“The untimely demise of both young women is a profound tragedy for the people of Manipur. Singson’s story—from surviving displacement to serving as a cabin crew member in India’s national airline—reflects resilience and hope in the face of adversity,” TSA stated.
The Association further urged both the state and central governments to ensure adequate compensation and all necessary assistance to the bereaved families. It called on the people of Manipur to unite in grief and extend solidarity beyond community lines.
The crash of AI171 has sent shockwaves across Manipur, drawing reactions from several organisations and individuals.