Churachandpur (Manipur) [India], June 15 (HBTV): In a rare moment of collective mourning, the people of Manipur — still grappling with the impact of ongoing ethnic unrest — have come together to grieve the tragic loss of two young women from the state who were among the ten cabin crew members killed in the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad.

The victims were identified as 21-year-old Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam from Thoubal district, and 28-year-old Lamnunthem Singson, a Kuki woman who had been displaced by the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023. She had been living in Kangpokpi district.

The tragedy has struck a deep emotional chord in a state often divided along ethnic lines. Civil society organisations and residents from both the Meitei and Kuki communities have expressed sorrow and solidarity, underscoring a shared humanity that transcends conflict.

‘We are deeply sorry that one of our daughters, who was displaced due to the Manipur crisis, has met with such a tragic incident,’ said D J Haokip, General Secretary of the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur.

He added, ‘Our hearts are with the grieving families, and we stand in solidarity with them. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of this heartbreaking tragedy.’

Vumsuan Naulak, Chairman of the Zomi Council, described the loss as not only a local tragedy but also a poignant reminder of the contributions made by women from Manipur to the national workforce.

‘It was a truly tragic incident; the air crash was a heartbreaking reality. The involvement of two women from Manipur, serving as airline staff, is a testament to the significant contribution of women from our state in the country’s aviation sector. We extend our deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,’ he said.

For many in the state, the crash felt deeply personal.

‘After the plane crash, my son, who is out of state, called me and told me that two of the victims were from Manipur — one girl from Thoubal and another from Kangpokpi,’ said Umakanta Sharma, a resident of Imphal.‘We felt deeply saddened to hear the news,’ he added.

As Manipur continues to endure the aftermath of prolonged ethnic violence that has left many dead and thousands displaced, this shared moment of loss has emerged as a powerful reminder that grief knows no boundaries. In mourning, Manipur has briefly found unity.

(ANI)