Imphal, June 22: A large crowd gathered along the streets to honor Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, a victim of the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, as her remains were returned to Manipur on Sunday.

Sharma served as a crew member on Air India flight AI 171, which tragically crashed into a hostel complex in Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad, shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 PM on June 12. The disaster claimed the lives of 270 individuals, including 241 passengers on board, with only one survivor.

"The atmosphere was deeply poignant... She was welcomed with profound dignity and respect by the Team at Imphal Airport, who regarded her not just as a colleague but as family in mourning, united in silence and reverence," stated a post from Imphal Airport.

"With heavy hearts and bowed heads, her remains were gently handed over to her family and friends, whose presence reflected the immense love they held for her and the significant void her departure has created," the post continued.

A cousin of Nganthoi Sharma mentioned that floral tributes were paid by airport officials, family, and others upon her arrival at Imphal Airport via an IndiGo flight.

Her remains were accompanied by her father and elder sister, who had traveled to Ahmedabad for DNA identification, as noted by her cousin.

Later, her remains were transported to her home in Thoubal on an open truck, with thousands of mourners lining the route to pay their respects. The family indicated that her final rites would take place later that evening.

Additionally, the remains of another crew member from Manipur, Lamnunthem Singson, were returned to the state on June 19, arriving in Kangpokpi district via road from Dimapur Airport after being flown in from Ahmedabad.