Manipur unites in grief following AI 171 plane crash
The victims were 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 Manipur in May 2023. She was living in the Kangpokpi district.
The tragedy has struck a deep emotional chord in a state often divided along ethnic lines. Civil society groups and residents from both the Meitei and Kuki communities have expressed sorrow and solidarity, highlighting the 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.'
Chairman of the Zomi Council, Vumsuan Naulak, emphasised the loss not just as a local tragedy, but as a reminder of the contributions of women from Manipur to the nation's workforce.
He said, '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.'
For many, the news of the crash hit home in the most personal way.
'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 struggle with the aftermath of prolonged ethnic violence that has left many dead and thousands displaced, this shared loss has emerged as a powerful reminder that grief knows no boundaries. In mourning, Manipur has momentarily found unity. (ANI)
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Hathras Satsang Stampede (July 2, 2024): Over 116 people died and dozens were injured in a stampede at a religious congregation in a village in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district on July 2 last year. The stampede broke out at a 'satsang' (prayer meeting) organised by a self-styled godman, Bhole Baba aka Narayan Saakar Hari. The stampede took place around 3:30 pm when Baba was leaving the venue. Indore Stampede (March 21, 2023): Thirty-six people died when the slab constructed on top of an ancient 'bawdi' or well collapsed during a 'havan' programme held on the occasion of Ram Navami at a temple in Madhya Pradesh's Indore. Vaishno Devi Stampede (January 1, 2022): Twelve people died and over a dozen were injured in a stampede at the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra triggered by a heavy rush of devotees on the occasion of new year. Rajahmundry Stampede (July 14, 2015): Twenty-seven pilgrims died and 20 others were injured in a stampede at a major bathing spot on the banks of the Godavari river where a huge crowd of devotees had gathered on the opening day of the 'Pushkaram' festival in Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh Datia Stampede (October 13, 2013): 115 people were killed and over 100 injured in a stampede during the Navratri festivities near Ratangarh temple in Madhya Pradesh's Datia district. The stampede was triggered by rumours that a river bridge the devotees were crossing was about to collapse. Patna's Chhath Stampede (November 19, 2012): Eighteen people were killed and many others injured as a makeshift bridge caved in, triggering a stampede during the Chhath Puja at Adalat Ghat on one of the banks of the Ganga River in Patna. Haridwar Har-ki-Pauri Stampede (November 8, 2011): Twenty people were killed in a stampede in Haridwar at Har-ki-Pauri ghat on the banks of the Ganga river. Sabarimala Stampede (January 14, 2011): A stampede caused by a jeep crashing into pilgrims at Pulmedu in Kerala's Idukki district left 104 Sabarimala devotees dead and over 40 injured. Pratapgarh Stampede (March 4, 2010): Sixty-three people were killed in a stampede at Ram Janki Temple of Kripalu Maharaj in Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh district as people gathered to collect free clothes and food from the religious leader. Jodhpur Stampede (September 30, 2008): Between 220 and 250 devotees were killed and over 60 injured in a stampede triggered by rumours of a bomb going off at Chamunda Devi temple in Rajasthan's Jodhpur. Naina Devi Temple Stampede (August 3, 2008): A stampede triggered by rumours of rockslides at Naina Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district left 162 dead and 47 injured. Mandhardevi Temple Stampede (January 25, 2005): Around 340 devotees were trampled to death and hundreds injured during an annual pilgrimage at Mandhardevi temple in Maharashtra's Satara district. The accident occurred when some people fell down the steps made slippery by the devotees breaking coconuts. top videos View all Nashik Kumbh Stampede (August 27, 2003): Thirty-nine people were killed and around 140 injured in a stampede during the holy bath at the Kumbh Mela in Maharashtra's Nashik district. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India, India First Published: July 27, 2025, 16:12 IST News india From Haridwar's Mansa Devi To Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh: A List Of Major Stampedes In India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
