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Key Points

The Meitei civil society group COCOMI has called for public cooperation in receiving the remains of two Manipuri Air India crew members who died in the Ahmedabad crash. DNA identification is ongoing, with their return expected soon. Tributes have poured in from across Manipur, including candlelight vigils and prayers. COCOMI urges logistical support for a dignified homecoming.

Key Points: Manipur Mourns AI Crew Killed in Ahmedabad Plane Crash

  • COCOMI appeals for unity in receiving mortal remains
  • DNA identification underway for victims
  • Candlelight vigils held across Manipur
  • Families await dignified return of daughters
3 min read

Plane crash: Meitei body urges people to cooperate in receiving remains of Manipuri AI crew members

COCOMI urges cooperation as Manipur prepares to receive remains of two Air India crew members killed in the Ahmedabad crash.

"May the land of Manipur welcome back her daughters with love and pride. – COCOMI"

Imphal, June 16

The bodies of Air India crew members 26-year-old Lamnunthem Singson and 20-year-old Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma from Manipur, who were killed in the horrific plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, would be brought back to Imphal after DNA identification and completion of other formalities, a leading Civil Society Organisation (CSO) said here on Monday.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a apex body of the Meitei community said that according to the information given by the Singson and Sharma families, the mortal remains of the two victims are currently undergoing DNA identification.

“The DNA-based identification is expected to take approximately 72 hours. Once the process is complete, the remains will be brought back to their home state of Manipur,” said COCOMI’s information wing convenor Laikhuram Jayenta.

Sharma belonged to the non-tribal Meitei community and hailed from Manipur's Thoubal district while Singson is a resident of the tribal inhabited Kangpokpi district, and was from the tribal Thadou community.

The COCOMI appealed for cooperation in receiving the mortal remains of the two daughters of Manipur.

The body said that the entire state of Manipur has united in mourning their untimely loss.

“Since the tragic news broke, people across the state, especially the youth, have paid tributes through candlelight vigils, prayers, and messages of solidarity, offering comfort and strength to the bereaved families.

"In this regard, COCOMI appeals to all sections of society, including CSOs, local clubs, youth bodies, and the general public, to extend full cooperation and support in receiving the mortal remains at Imphal Airport and ensuring their dignified return to their respective families for final rites.

"The CSOs also urge the state government and concerned administrative authorities to make all necessary logistical arrangements for the smooth transfer of the bodies to their homes.

“If willing, the families may come forward to receive their daughters at the airport without hesitation. COCOMI is ready to extend any coordination or assistance required during this process,” said Jayenta in a statement.

The statement added that as a community, “let us honour their return and pray for their souls to rest in eternal peace. May the land of Manipur welcome back her daughters with love and pride. And if life grants them another chance, may they return to us once again as the shining daughters of our soil.”

Meanwhile, family members of both Singson and Sharma went to Ahmedabad to complete the necessary formalities.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Heartbreaking news 😢 These young women were just starting their careers. Shows how precious life is. The way Manipur is coming together in grief is truly touching. Hope the families get strength during this difficult time.
R
Rahul S.
Good to see communities uniting in tragedy. In Northeast, we often feel forgotten by mainland India, but this shows our shared humanity. The airline should provide full compensation and support to the families.
A
Ananya M.
The COCOMI's appeal is very thoughtful. In our culture, how we receive the departed matters deeply. Hope the airport arrangements are made with proper sensitivity - maybe traditional Manipuri rituals could be incorporated?
V
Vikram J.
While the unity shown is commendable, I hope this tragedy makes authorities improve aviation safety. Too many young lives lost in recent crashes. DNA identification shouldn't take 72 hours in 2024 - our forensic systems need upgrade.
S
Sunita L.
As someone from Northeast working in Bangalore, this hits close to home. These girls represented our region's aspirations. Their families must be devastated. Hope media gives this the attention it deserves, not just focus on Bollywood stars.
K
Karan P.
The last paragraph about "shining daughters of our soil" brought tears. In death, they've reminded us all of Manipur's beauty and resilience. Om Shanti 🙏 May their journey home be peaceful and their memory inspire others.

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