Search for missing tourists continues in Sikkim

The search operation for the missing tourists from the road accident of 29th May near Munshithang in North Sikkim is still underway.

Despite the challenges posed by inclement weather conditions causing rise in water level and breached connectivity, the joint search and rescue operation has continued since day one.

Today, the joint search team of Tourism and Civil Aviation Department led by Joint Director, Adventure, Mr Kazi Sherpa, accompanied by Deputy Director, Adventure, Mr Manoj Chettri, Tourist Officer Mr Anup Subba, Information Assistant Mr Sonam Pintso Bhutia, in coordination with district tourism office Mangan, and IHCAE team made one more effort to scout the area near the accident spot.

The search operation was carried out in coordination with the local administration and police led by SDM Chungthang and SDPO Chungthang, officials of Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Department, TAAS and other tourism stakeholders.

The family members of some of the missing tourists were also present at the spot to get a first hand account of the search and rescue operation.

Simultaneously, the NDRF team also carried out an extensive search along the river bed.

On 1st and 2nd June, the joint search team of NDRF and Tourism Department scoured for nearly 3-4 km downstream to check for the missing persons.

Likewise, the SDRF team led by Mr. Dawa Sherpa, ASI SAP, has been carrying out extensive search along the river belt of Toong, Ritchu Khola, Chungthang and further downstream to locate the missing tourists.

• Report from DIO Mangan