The body of Lamnunthem Singson, a Kuki flight attendant from Manipur who tragically died in the recent Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, will be transported to Dimapur, Nagaland, before being taken to her family in Kangpokpi, Manipur. This decision to reroute her remains via Nagaland is a direct consequence of the ongoing ethnic tensions between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur, which have claimed over 250 lives and displaced approximately 60,000 people since May 2023.
Lamnunthem Singson, originally from Imphal, had been living with her family in Kangpokpi as internally displaced persons (IDPs) after fleeing the ethnic violence. Her body was formally identified through DNA testing. The family's decision to avoid Imphal airport, despite assurances from the state government regarding a dignified reception, reflects deep-seated security concerns. "We do not want to politicise my sister's remains... it is not safe for us to travel via Imphal," stated her cousin, N Kipgen, highlighting the family's desire to maintain dignity and avoid becoming a public spectacle amidst the volatile situation.
Arrangements are underway to transport Lamnunthem's body to Dimapur on Thursday morning. From there, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) will receive the body and escort it along National Highway 2 to Kangpokpi. A human chain and candlelight vigil will be held in her honor.
The Manipur government had stated its readiness to receive the bodies of both flight attendants, Lamnunthem Singson and K Nganthoi Sharma, with full respect at Imphal airport, leaving the final decision on logistics and ceremonies to the families. However, the prevailing circumstances and the palpable sense of insecurity among the Kuki community have led to the decision to take the longer route via Dimapur. K Nganthoi Sharma's family, who is from the Meitei community, is still awaiting DNA confirmation.
The ethnic conflict in Manipur has created a deep divide, with Kuki-Zos largely residing in the hill districts and Meiteis concentrated in the Imphal Valley. This division has severely restricted movement between communities, making it unsafe for Kuki-Zos to travel through Meitei-dominated areas. The decision to reroute Lamnunthem Singson's body underscores the extent of this divide and the challenges it poses even in times of shared grief.
Civil society groups have expressed concerns about the politicization of this tragedy and have urged restraint and unity. The Thadou Students' Association (TSA) has called for an end to false narratives on social media, while the Meitei Heritage Society (MHS) has emphasized the need to show humanity and avoid exploiting the situation for political gain. Both organizations have stressed the importance of honoring the deceased with dignity, acknowledging their service and sacrifice.
The situation in Manipur remains tense, with heightened security measures in place to prevent further violence. The state is still grappling with the aftermath of the ethnic clashes, and efforts are underway to promote reconciliation and restore peace. The rerouting of Lamnunthem Singson's body serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in bridging the divide between the Kuki and Meitei communities and fostering a sense of security and trust.
