Gangtok: The Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) orchestrated a sombre candlelight vigil this past Sunday evening at M.G. Marg in Gangtok, a heartfelt tribute to those who perished in the recent, devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad.
The tragedy, which occurred on June 12, saw a London-bound Air India flight AI171, carrying 242 passengers, crash moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The ill-fated aircraft plummeted into a medical college campus, claiming the lives of nearly all onboard and 29 individuals on the ground, including five MBBS students. Reports indicate only one passenger miraculously survived the catastrophic incident.
Niren Bhandari, BJP Sikkim media in-charge, described the vigil as a profound display of unity and shared sorrow. Attendees, who included local residents, party members, and even tourists visiting from Ahmedabad, observed a minute of silence, their collective grief palpable in the quiet evening air. The presence of the Ahmedabad tourists added a particularly poignant layer to the ceremony, underscoring a powerful sense of solidarity and prayer.
“The Sikkim BJP extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” Bhandari stated, his voice resonating with sincerity. “We pray for peace for the departed souls and strength for the bereaved.” The event served as a stark and moving reminder of how human empathy transcends geographical and cultural divides in the face of immense tragedy.
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