The body of Lamnunthem Singson, also known as Neonu, reached her hometown Kangpokpi late Thursday around 9:20 pm. Thousands of people lined the streets to pay tribute to her after she died in the Air India plane crash. A human chain and candlelight vigil were held along both sides of National Highway-2, organised by the Kangpokpi Town Committee.

People of all ages, young and old, men and women, friends and even strangers, stood side by side, holding candles that lit up the night. Their silent tribute was filled with love and sorrow. At Neonu’s home, a quiet ceremony with prayers was held. Her coffin was covered with a traditional shawl. One of the most heartbreaking moments was seeing her mother, Nemneilhing Singson, sitting beside her daughter’s body, her face full of pain, her hands gently placed on the casket, unable to say goodbye

The funeral will begin at 11:00 am today, followed by her burial in the town cemetery later in the afternoon. The entire town of Kangpokpi is mourning, preparing to bid a final farewell to their beloved daughter, whose memory will forever remain with them. Lamnunthem Singson, just 26 years old, worked as a cabin crew member for Air India. She died in the tragic Air India plane crash.

Family members shared that Neonu was not even supposed to be on that flight. She was filling in for a colleague who was on sick leave, a decision that now feels painfully tragic but shows how dedicated and responsible she was toward her job. The night before the crash, she had called her mother, saying she wanted to sleep early so she would be ready for her duty. As they did every night, mother and daughter prayed together over the phone, not knowing it would be their last conversation.

Born on November 13, 1998, Lamnunthem was the only daughter of her widowed mother and the third of four siblings. Her father, Lienminlun Singson, had passed away years ago. After the ethnic violence in Manipur in May 2023, the Singson family, part of the Kuki-Zo community, had to leave their home in Imphal’s Old Lambulane and move to a rented house in Kangpokpi.

Even with all the hardships, Lamnunthem stood strong as the only earning member of the family. Her elder brother, Ngamlienthang, is seriously ill and receiving treatment in Guwahati, while her youngest brother, Lenjathang, is still too young to earn a living.