Northeast CMs Heave Sigh Of Relief After 41 Workers Trapped In Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescued

Assam CM Himanta Sarma was the first to react to the dramatic and one of the most difficult rescue operations that finally ended on Tuesday, successfully evacuating all the workers.

Assam CM Himanta Sarma was the first to react to the dramatic and one of the most difficult rescue operations that finally ended on Tuesday, successfully evacuating all the workers.

Chief Ministers of several northeastern states of India heaved a sigh of relief, after rescue operations and 17-days of relentless efforts by multiple agencies to evacuate the 41 workers trapped underground in a tunnel that collapsed in Uttarakhand’s Silkyara on November 12 this year, ended late Tuesday. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was the first to react to the dramatic and one of the most difficult rescue operations that finally ended on Tuesday, successfully evacuating all the workers, safe and sound.

Taking to microblogging site X immediately after all the 41 workers were safely evacuated, Chief Minister Sarma wrote, “Bharat breathes a sigh of relief as the Silkyara tunnel rescue operation concludes successfully with the rescue of 41 workers. For the last 17 days, the entire nation was united in praying for their safe return, who displayed remarkable resilience and courage.”

Bharat breathes a sigh of relief as the #Silkyara Tunnel rescue operation concludes successfully with the rescue of 41 workers. For the last 17 days, the entire nation was united in praying for their safe return, who displayed remarkable resilience and courage.

1/4 pic.twitter.com/TNgEl0aQIx

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) November 28, 2023

Chief Minister Sarma said that with the blessings of Maa Kamakhya, two of the 41 workers, Ram Prasad Narzary and Sanjay Basumatary, who hails from Assam’s Kokrajhar district, have also been safely evacuated.

“This also brings me personal relief as with the blessings of Maa Kamakhya, two of our own brothers from Kokrajhar-Ram Prasad Narzary and Sanjay Basumatary have also come out safely. We were constantly in touch with their families through this ordeal,” Chief Minister Sarma added.

Chief Minister Sarma while thanking his Uttarakhand counterpart Pushkar Singh Dhami and all the agencies involved in the rescue operations said that behind the successful evacuation of all the workers stands the power of prayers of 130 crore Indian citizens.  

“In the heart of this success stands the power of prayers of 130 crore fellow citizens. We are grateful to Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami ji, NDRFHQ team, tunneling expert Arnold Dix, all the officials and rescue workers for their 24x7 hard work over the last many days,” Chief Minister Sarma further said.

On the other hand, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh while extending his heartfelt gratitude to the people involved in the rescue operations wrote on X, “It's great to know that all miners trapped in a tunnel in Uttarakhand have been successfully rescued unharmed, marking a significant relief. I appreciate the extraordinary grit and perseverance displayed over 400 hours as the rescue teams successfully rescued the 41 workers trapped in the Uttarkashi tunnel since November 12. Despite setbacks, the unwavering determination of both rescuers and miners shines as a testament to human resilience. Heartfelt gratitude to all involved in this challenging operation.”

It's great to know that all miners trapped in a tunnel in Uttarakhand have been successfully rescued unharmed, marking a significant relief.
I appreciate the extraordinary grit and perseverance displayed over 400 hours as the rescue teams successfully rescued the 41 workers… pic.twitter.com/57o47peRj2

— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) November 28, 2023

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha lauding the courage, hard work and promptness of the rescue teams in evacuating the workers, said, “Kudos to the courage, hard work and promptness of the rescue teams who worked with full strength in hardest situations with devotion there. The hope of the workers and their families is inspiring for everyone who fought and laid trust upon the government. I take this opportunity to thank PM Narendra Modi Ji, who has been constantly monitoring the entire operation and providing guidance and support whenever required. CM Uttarakhand Pushkar Dhami Ji and Union MoS Gen VK Singh Ji almost camped there during the operation.”