Army men slept out in -9°C to keep tourists safe and alive: Tourists

Even as it was reported that the Indian Army has rescued more than 2,800 tourists stranded due to heavy snowfall near East Sikkim's 17th Mile area, close to the India-China border, eyewitness accounts recollected how the brave men slept outside in temperatures of -9 degree Celsius to ensure the safety of those trapped.

The tourists were returning from Nathu La pass 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. He said the Army immediately swung into action and rescued the tourists. They were then brought to a camp in 17th Mile area and served food and medicines. Arrangements were also being made to transfer the tourists to the state capital.

One of the rescued tourists, Aryan Ahmad, wrote: "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."