Gangtok: An 11-year-old tourist, Sakhya Das, from South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, was rescued by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel at Border Outpost (BOP) Phalut after collapsing due to high-altitude sickness and adverse weather conditions.
The child, part of a six-member tourist group, had arrived in Phalut via Sandakphu when he suddenly lost consciousness, likely due to the thin air prevalent at such elevations.
Post Commander SI Harikesh Kumar, upon witnessing the child’s critical state, immediately informed Company Commander Shibu Mandal, AC, who was present at the post overnight. The SSB team responded rapidly, administering vital oxygen therapy and emergency medical assistance. Following an hour of intensive care, the young tourist regained consciousness and his condition stabilized.
Darjeeling MP and BJP National Spokesperson Raju Bista extended his heartfelt appreciation to the SSB personnel for their prompt and efficient actions. He emphasized the indispensable role the security forces play in safeguarding lives in such demanding environments, stating, “I am immensely grateful to our dedicated SSB jawans for saving the child’s life. Their timely intervention has brought immense relief to the family and the entire tourist group.”
The child’s parents and the other tourists expressed their profound gratitude for the life-saving support provided by the SSB. After receiving necessary medical attention, the group, accompanied by their guide Shankhlal Tamang, continued their journey towards Gorkhey. The Singalila range, located along the West Bengal-Sikkim border, is notorious for its erratic weather patterns and oxygen-depleted high altitudes, which often present significant dangers to visitors. This incident highlights the critical function of security forces in not only protecting the nation’s borders but also ensuring the safety of those navigating the challenging Himalayan terrain.
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