Army to the rescue for 1,500 stranded tourists in Sikkim

Gangtok, Dec 29: The Indian Army has rescued more than 1,500 tourists stranded near the 17th Mile in East Sikkim close to the India-China border following heavy snowfall, an official said.

The tourists were returning from Nathu La and Tsomgo (Changu) Lake on Friday evening when snowfall in the region blocked roads, leaving over 300 to 400 civil vehicles stranded at various points on Jawahar Lal Nehru Road, East Sikkim District Magistrate Kapil Meena said.

"The Army immediately swung into action and rescued the tourists. They were then brought to a camp in 17the Mile area and served food and medicines. Arrangements were being to transfer the tourists to the state capital," Meena said.

As of now, no tourist vehicle will be allowed to ply on Jawahar Lal Nehru road on way to the border region, he said, adding operations are underway to clear the snow and restore road connectivity.