New Delhi/Gangtok: 2,500 tourists who were stranded near the India-China border in Sikkim's Nathu La due to heavy snowfall have been rescued by the Indian Army.
As many as 400 vehicles carrying over 2500 tourists who were returning from Nathu La pass were stranded near 17 mile. The tourists included women, children and elderly persons.
On receiving information, the Army immediately swung into action to provide relieve and to rescue the stranded tourists. The tourists were provided with food, shelter, warm clothing and medicines, said a defence official. As many as 1,500 tourists have been accommodated at 17 Mile while rest of them are at 13 Mile. The Army has also provided two sets of JCBs and Dozers of Border Road Organization (BRO) for snow clearance and restoration of road connectivity.