Gangtok, Feb. 23 -- Approximately 350 tourist vehicles are stranded near Tsangu between Sipsu and 16th mile along the Jawaharlal Nehru (JN) Road under Sherethang CP/PS jurisdiction following heavy snowfall reported around 11:30 am on Sunday.

Due to persistent snowfall in the Sherathang belt, the army has suspended vehicular movement in the affected stretch as a precautionary measure. Nearly 150 vehicles are likely to be caught between Sipsu and Tsangu (Changu), prompting immediate rescue and regulation efforts.

A coordinated operation involving the police, Army, GREF (General Reserve Engineer Force), and residents has been undertaken to evacuate stranded tourists and drivers from the snowbound area safely.

Around 46 tourists, including...