Gangtok, May 1: Eight tourists along with a photographer, a trekking guide, and a porter were rescued by the 72nd Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) after being stranded in the Singalila range of West Sikkim due to heavy rain and snowfall.

The group had set out on April 24 from the Uttare area under the 36th Battalion’s jurisdiction and was en route to Nayapatal when severe weather struck. On April 29, around 6:00 PM, the porter managed to reach the Yambung Border Post of the 72nd Battalion, situated at an altitude of 12,246 feet, and alerted the authorities.

A rescue team led by V Sub-Inspector (GD) Dinesh Kumar, along with constables Ugrasen Tiwari and Manish Kumar, was immediately dispatched. Despite harsh weather and treacherous terrain, the team successfully rescued the group and brought them safely to the Yambung post.

After the rescue, the tourists were given food and shelter, and their documents were verified. They expressed their gratitude in writing for the timely and compassionate assistance provided by the SSB.

The 72nd Battalion reaffirmed its dedication to serving people in the remote and high-altitude border areas of Sikkim.