Efforts on to return stranded WB tourists from Sikkim

Kolkata, Sept 19 (PTI) Several tourists from eastern
Indian state West Bengal have been stranded in Gangtok, Namchi
and Kumgon in quake-hit northeastern state Sikkim with most of
the connecting roads severely damaged or blocked due to
landslides.
Intermittent rains had been hampering rescue and relief
operations especially in Darjeeling district, Disaster
Management Minister Javed Khan said on Monday.
He said talks were on with the Sikkim government for safe
return of the stranded passengers to West Bengal.
"Nearly 25 tourists from West Bengal are stranded at
Gangtok, Namchi and Kumgon due to snapped road link," Khan
told PTI.
The minister said connecting highways and roads with
Sikkim had been blocked and Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
personnel were working round-the-clock to clear the debris.
Khan said fire services and Disaster Management personnel
were working round-the-clock with the help of power department
employees to restore normalcy in 'quake-hit areas in
Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and North Dinajpur districts.