More than 2,800 tourists who got stranded at Nathu La near Indo-China border and other places in the Sikkim region following heavy snowfall, were rescued by Indian Army.
The tourists, who included many elderly people and children, while sharing their experience told the story of bravery by our jawans who slept outside in -9 degree to ensure the safety of rescued tourists.
One of the rescued tourists, Aryan Ahmad, wrote and DNA quoted him saying, “They shared their bed, sleeping bag and all stayed outside in -9 degree Celsius just to keep us safe and alive, words are not enough to thank them for what they have done for everyone.”
Troops had vacated their barracks to accommodate some tourists to ensure their safety throughout the night.
As per the reports till now, the snow is being removed and the evacuation will start once the road is cleared. Vehicles will be moved with great precautions and tourists will be brought to Gangtok.
The snowfall had left 300 to 400 vehicles stranded at various points on Jawahar Lal Nehru Road, the East Sikkim District Magistrate Kapil Meena told media.
The rescued tourists were then brought to a camp in 17th Mile area and served food and medicines. Later arrangements were made to transfer the tourists to the state capital Gangtok.
