Soldiers of the XXXIII Corps rescuing trapped tourists in Nathu-la. (Photo via special arrangement.)
Siliguri: More than 500 tourists were stranded in their vehicles at Nathu-la, a mountain pass in east Sikkim, due to heavy snowfall on Wednesday. The Indian Army’s XXXIII Corps, which is also known as Trishakti Corps, that guards the border with Tibet in the area, swiftly responded to the emergency and launched a rescue operation in subzero temperatures and extremely poor visibility.
Soldiers of the XXXIII Corps rescuing trapped tourists in Nathu-la. (Photo via special arrangement.)
The troops provided medical care, hot food and drinks, and safe transportation to the tourists, who were stuck at an altitude of over 14,000 feet. The Siliguri-based XXXIII Corps has time and again come to the aid of the civil administration and the people of Sikkim during crises.
A soldier talks to some of the recused tourists in Nathu-la. (Photo via special arrangement.)
It may be noted that Nathu-la is one of the three open trading border posts between India and China, and a popular tourist destination for its scenic views and historical significance.
