Gangtok, June 3 (Reporter) The first group of stranded individuals was airlifted on Tuesday morning from ravaged Chaten to Gangtok as the elite force of NDRF swung into action to bolster the search and rescue operation in the affected locations, which remained inaccessible by foot following a series of landslides triggered by torrents, official sources confirmed. " Two MI-17 V5 helicopters completed the evacuation mission, landing safely at Pakyong Greenfield. Airport with 34 evacuees on board," near this capital town of Sikkim. Among those rescued were injured army personnel currently undergoing medical treatment; their family members, and tourists stranded in the area. The Sikkim government has declared a " disaster" zone in the strategic north Sikkim, a border with China, after massive rains, accompanied by landslides, disrupted life and forced thousands of tourists to halt following closure of the main artery on Thursday. The majority of stranded tourists over 1600 were safely evacuated on Monday...////...