The Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army rescued 1,217 tourists stranded amid heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions in high-altitude areas of East Sikkim. Administration officials are now engaged in facilitating the return of these tourists to Gangtok.
An official release by the Army on Wednesday outlined the swift action taken after tourists, including senior citizens, women, and children, found themselves marooned in the high-altitude regions of East Sikkim on December 13 due to adverse weather and snowfall.
Troops from the Trishakti Corps initiated a swift rescue mission, evacuating the stranded tourists.
The operation focused on relocating the tourists to safer locations, providing them with essential shelter, warm clothing, medical assistance, and hot meals. The soldiers even vacated their barracks to accommodate the rescued tourists, the Army statement said.
The immediate response and support extended by the Army brought much-needed relief and comfort to the tourists amidst the challenging weather conditions.
"The quick reaction by the troops provided relief and comfort to the stranded tourists under inclement weather conditions. The stranded tourists expressed their deep gratitude for the immediate relief provided by the Army," the release stated.
In its statement, the Army emphasised its dual commitment to safeguarding border areas in the high-altitude Himalayas but also to remain proactive in aiding tourists and the local populace in Sikkim.
The higher altitudes of Sikkim and Darjeeling in West Bengal received snowfall on Wednesday. Lachen and Lachung in Sikkim, which are located 13,400 feet above sea level, were covered in a white blanket.