Gangtok: A total of 1217 tourists, including elderly, women and children, stranded in high altitude areas of East Sikkim were successfully rescued by the troops of Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps, Defence PRO said on Thursday.

The stranded tourists were evacuated to an Army Transit Facility and provided with medical treatment and food.

The rescue mission started on Wednesday and continued till the early hours of Thursday.

“The tourists were moved to safe areas and provided shelter, warm clothing, medical aid and hot meals. The soldiers vacated their barracks to enable accommodation of the stranded tourists,” Defence PRO Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said in a statement.

At the time of writing this report, all tourists have been successfully moved out to Gangtok in a safe and healthy condition.

“The quick reaction by the troops provided relief and comfort to the stranded tourists under inclement weather conditions. The stranded Tourists expressed their deep gratitude for the immediate relief provided by the Army,” the  Defence PRO said.

Indian Army while guarding the border in Super High-Altitude areas of the Himalayas, remains proactive in assisting tourists and local population, the release added.