The Indian Army rescued 235 civilians and 38 vehicles stranded at Sinthan Top in the Kishtwar area of Jammu and Kashmir due to heavy snowfall and severe weather conditions.
Troops from the White Knight Corps conducted the rescue operations despite the challenges posed by the treacherous terrain and continuous snowfall.
The rescue teams reached Sinthan Top on Sunday and provided hot meals, drinking water, and shelter to those stranded, according to the White Knight Corps. Repair and recovery teams worked to restore mobility to stranded vehicles, while passengers from vehicles that could not be recovered were safely evacuated. Medical teams offered assistance and essential medicines to those in need.
"The operation concluded successfully, with all civilians and vehicles safely escorted to safety. The mission witnessed seamless coordination between the Indian Army, J&K Police and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), reaffirming the Indian Army's commitment to safeguarding lives in the harshest conditions," the White Knight Corps stated.
In January, the Indian Army rescued 29 tourists stranded in North Sikkim amid severe weather. On the night of January 27-28, gale-force winds and relentless snowfall immobilised civilian vehicles on narrow mountain roads. Several vehicles were buried under heavy snow, and others experienced mechanical failures due to sub-zero temperatures.
The group included young children and senior citizens, increasing the seriousness of the situation. With temperatures dropping well below freezing and reduced oxygen levels, multiple tourists experienced acute mountain sickness and respiratory distress.
Upon arrival, the Army implemented comprehensive relief measures. Medical teams immediately attended to those with altitude-related ailments, providing supplemental oxygen and ongoing monitoring. Soldiers distributed extreme cold-weather clothing, sleeping bags, heaters, hot meals, refreshments, and warm water to shield the group from the cold. The camp served as a safe haven, offering warmth and reassurance to all.
After spending the night under constant medical and logistical care, the tourists received a hot breakfast the following morning. When weather conditions and road access improved, the Indian Army deployed specialised vehicles to transport the entire group safely back to their hotels in Lachung.

