Army rescues 135 tourists from landslides-hit North Sikkim, many still stranded
Gangtok (PTI): A total of 135 stranded tourists have been rescued by the Army from North Sikkim, where multiple landslides have snapped road connectivity, officials said on Thursday.
Around 1,000 tourists remain stranded in Lachen, with sustained efforts underway to ensure their rescue at the earliest, they said.
The rescue operation is being carried out by the Trishakti Corps under the Eastern Command amid heavy snowfall, they added.
Critical passes have been opened and alternate routes activated to facilitate the rescue mission, named 'Operation Him Setu', officials said.
A total of 32 light vehicles and 10 motorcycles have been moved out so far, with Army vehicles deployed to tow civilian vehicles across steep, snowbound stretches, they said.
Medical emergencies and those requiring immediate assistance are being prioritised, officials said.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working in close coordination with the Army, undertaking continuous road clearance, snow removal and restoration of connectivity despite challenging terrain and weather, they said.
"Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of every citizen. Our teams remain committed to providing all necessary assistance on the ground," an Army official said.
Multiple landslides have disrupted road connectivity between Lachen and Chungthang, an area close to the India-China border.
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Poll official found dead in Assam amid assembly elections
Tezpur (PTI): A poll official was found dead in Assam's Sonitpur district on Thursday amid assembly elections in the state, officials said.
Deben Horo (45) was deputed as the second polling officer in the Naduar constituency, they said.
"Hore was deputed in polling station no 230 in Dolapani LP School. He was found unconscious in his bed this morning. He was taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance, but he was pronounced dead by the doctors," an official said.
The cause of death is yet to be confirmed, though doctors suspect an underlying medical condition led to it, he said.
Hore hailed from Dopdopi Kachari Gaon in the Chariduar revenue circle. He was an assistant teacher at a government school, officials said.
The incident did not affect polling, which began at the booth at the scheduled time of 7 am. A reserve personnel was deputed in Hore's place, they said.
Polling for the 126-member assembly will continue till 5 pm. The votes will be counted on May 4.
