Army officer dies in north Sikkim blizzard

SILIGURI: Major Nisheet Dogra, an army officer, died after he was trapped in snow in North Sikkim on Saturday night. Ironically, the incident took place a month and 12 days after the army carried out the biggest rescue operation in Sikkim as heavy snowfall left more than 3,000 tourists stranded in and around Nathula. A statement issued by Army 33 Corps in Sukna said, “There was unprecedented snowfall and high winds resulting in blizzard and avalanche-like conditions in north Sikkim on Saturday.” During evening reporting it was discovered that Major Dogra was missing. “After intense search, the officer was found trapped under five to six feet of snow. He was given medical aid. However, around midnight, the brave heart lost the battle of life and attained martyrdom in the line of duty,” said the statement.