Sikkim

Sikkim: IAF airlifts 1300 kg of essential relief supplies to Chaten as rescue operations continue after devastating floods and landslides in North Sikkim.

A rescue operation to evacuate 113 stranded tourists from Lachen in North Sikkim was called off early on Wednesday after bad weather forced an MI-17 helicopter carrying National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to abort its mission.

A massive landslide in North Sikkim has left Lachen village isolated, stranding tourists. The Indian Army is leading a challenging rescue operation, battling extreme weather and treacherous terrain, having already airlifted some tourists to safety.

The Defence Ministry said the BRO is working 24/7 to restore connectivity and provide relief in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh after heavy rains triggered landslides and road blockages, severely impacting normal life in the region.

The Sikkim government has declared the damage caused by heavy rainfall in Mangan district a "disaster". Efforts are underway to restore connectivity, evacuate stranded tourists, and provide emergency relief with support.

Meanwhile, stranded tourists in Lachung in Sikkim are now being actively evacuated through a coordinated effort involving the police, residents, forest personnel, and the Lachung Hotel Association.

Calling the Pahalgam terror attack an assault on humanity and brotherhood, PM Modi said India responded decisively through Operation Sindoor. Speaking at Sikkim@50, he praised Sikkim’s progress and vision for global tourism and organic agriculture.

The Ministry of External Affairs announced that the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2025 will be held between June and August, with applications now open. Pilgrims will travel through Lipulekh and Nathu La passes in batches.

Eight people, including four juveniles, were apprehended in Sikkim for allegedly abusing a 13-year-old girl. The survivor is now under care, and police have registered a case under relevant sections of BNS.

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the final stages of the Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) project, aiming to enhance India's rapid combat capabilities against threats from China and Pakistan.