A sudden silence fell when icy waters claimed two visitors near Tawang. Their journey, once filled with laughter under snowy peaks, ended too soon at Sela Lake. Friday brought cold winds, then stillness. Joy shifted without warning into grief for families far away. The lake, sealed beneath frost, gave way without sound.
Early afternoon saw seven travelers pause by Sela Lake, called Paradise Lake by many. That stretch near the pass draws crowds, even when ice grips the water for months on end. A police official named DW Thungon said timing placed them there between 2:30 and 3. Beauty pulls people in, regardless of cold.
Ice on the lake might have looked solid, yet officials say it was too thin for people to stand on. As they moved toward the middle, a sudden crack split the surface – three fell through without warning. One climbed back onto land shaking but alive; the others disappeared beneath the cold dark water. It happened fast, leaving little time to react.
A young man named Binu Prakash, age 26, lived in Kollar, part of Nedumpano district in Kerala. So did another person called Mahavir. News of their passing came without warning. Grief now fills the homes they once walked through.
rescue efforts begin right away
Hours following the event, help arrived fast – troops from India’s army joined border guards, disaster specialists, plus officers from nearby stations. Cold winds bit at crews trudging through rough snowfields, yet they pressed on without delay. Search units moved across icy ground, scanning every stretch near the frozen water. Officials stated one day after: two people had been found lifeless beneath the thick ice.
A body turned up late Thursday, sparking a probe now logged under unnatural death at Jung outpost. By Saturday, cops say every bit of red tape should wrap up.
A Beautiful Yet Dangerous Winter Attraction
High up near 13,700 feet sits Sela Lake, drawing crowds every year. Snowy peaks wrap around it, while the Monpa people hold it sacred. In colder months, it turns into a striking sheet of ice. Yet what looks peaceful hides risk – the frozen layer might crack without warning.
A fresh tragedy reminds us how dangerous it can be to walk on icy lakes, particularly up in the mountains where cold snaps come and go without warning.
Officials Warn of New Risks
After the incidents, officials raised their alerts, telling travelers to obey every safety rule without exception. Sticking to marked areas is now required, venturing onto icy ground ruled out completely.
Fog rolls in fast near the water as warnings stand posted – authorities say visitors still need to watch closely. Winter crowds grow, risks rise, yet attention often slips when ice glistens under gray skies.
A Heartbreaking Reminder
One life lost, then another – each ending leaves behind silence where laughter once was. When people move toward cold peaks and quiet valleys, they carry risks without always seeing them. Rules exist for a reason, though not everyone follows them until something goes wrong. Snow-covered trails look peaceful, yet hold dangers beneath their surface. Officials watch closely now, knowing small choices can lead to big consequences. What happened cannot be undone, but its weight might shape how others act ahead.
