The aftermath of the Air India Flight AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad, which killed all but one of its passengers and crew, has become entangled in Manipur&rsquo;s ongoing ethnic conflict, as the repatriation of one victim&rsquo;s body raises logistical and security concerns.
Among the deceased cabin crew were two women from Manipur: Nganthoi K Sharma, a Meitei, and Lamnunthiem Singson, a Kuki-Zo. While authorities in Ahmedabad are coordinating with the Manipur government and Air India to return their remains, the question of where Singson's body will be received has sparked sensitive discussions.
Since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, Manipur has been sharply divided along community lines. More than 260 people have died and over 50,000 have been displaced. Kuki-Zo communities have relocated to hill districts, while Meiteis remain concentrated in Imphal and the valley. Each area is now guarded by local militias, with central forces deployed as buffers.
Singson&rsquo;s family, originally from New Lambulane in Imphal, now lives in Kangpokpi after being displaced by the violence. They have expressed concern over receiving her body at Imphal airport due to safety fears, as Kuki-Zo people have avoided entering Meitei areas for nearly two years.
While Manipur police and senior government officials have assured full security and assistance, including an escort from Imphal to Kangpokpi, the family has yet to make a decision. The Kangpokpi Superintendent of Police met the family to offer support, and state police chief Rajiv Singh spoke with them by phone.
The Kuki Students&rsquo; Organisation (KSO), which is assisting the family, stated that alternatives are being considered, including transporting the body to Dimapur in Nagaland and then travelling by road to Kangpokpi&mdash;bypassing Meitei-dominated areas. A route via Mizoram&rsquo;s Aizawl airport is reportedly unsuitable due to its proximity to Imphal.
As of Tuesday evening, Singson&rsquo;s body had not yet been released by authorities in Ahmedabad. A government statement issued Monday said the Manipur administration was in close contact with Air India and the Tata Group, and ready to receive both victims at Imphal airport. &ldquo;The final decision regarding reception and other arrangements is left to the bereaved families,&rdquo; the statement read.
Meanwhile, Meitei civil society group COCOMI has called for unity and appealed to all communities to support a peaceful and dignified return of the bodies.
&ldquo;We have asked local organisations and groups to extend full cooperation. The state is united in mourning,&rdquo; said COCOMI convener Khuraijam Athouba.
Officials believe facilitating Singson&rsquo;s return via Imphal could serve as a symbolic gesture of reconciliation. Several Meitei groups have reportedly responded positively.
Singson&rsquo;s uncle, Hahao Haipi, said the family is awaiting confirmation from Ahmedabad before deciding. &ldquo;She lost her father years ago and lived with her mother and siblings in Imphal. Their home was looted during the conflict, and her mother now stays with us in Kangpokpi. We&rsquo;ll release a statement once we hear from the authorities.&rdquo;
The state government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring both victims are honoured and transported with dignity, regardless of the route taken.

Singson’s family moved from Imphal to Kangpokpi after violence (File Photo)

The victims belonged to Meitei and Kuki groups; Singson’s body return has sparked a key question

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The victims belonged to Meitei and Kuki groups; Singson’s body return has sparked a key question

June 18, 2025 | 09:46 IST