More than 2,500 tourists were rescued by the Indian Army after they were stuck near the India-China border in Sikkim's Nathu La due to heavy snowfall. The tourists, which included women and children have now been provided food, shelter and warm clothes by the Army.

The tourists were stranded between the 17 Mile area and Nathu La in Sikkim, a Defence Ministry official informed. "300 to 400 civil vehicles were stranded near 17 Mile carrying over 2500 tourists who were returning after visiting Nathu La Pass along the Indo-China border. The Indian Army immediately swung into action to provide rescue and relief to the stranded tourists including food, shelter, warm clothing and medicines," the official said.

1,500 tourists have been accommodated at 17 Mile, while the remaining tourists were shifted to 13 Mile. The Indian Army has also provided two sets of JCBs and Dozers of BRO for snow clearance and restoration of road connectivity.

As per Indian Army, the evacuation operation will continue till all stranded tourists are safely moved out towards Gangtok.