Search team at Dzükou valley conducted an extensive joint search and rescue operation to locate the missing tourist from West Tripura.
Kohima, January 17 (MExN): The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) on Saturday said it has been unable to locate Pranab Das, a domestic tourist from West Tripura, who went missing in the Dzükou Valley area earlier this month, despite an extensive joint search operation and best efforts of all concerned stakeholders.
Das, son of Bikash Das from Srinagar district, West Tripura went missing on January 4. The SAYO office was informed about the incident on January 13.
The organisation said its investigation found Das’s last known trace was recorded at the Dzükou Ticketing Counter in Viswema on January 4, confirming his entry. “However, there is no record of his arrival at the Dzükou Valley Base Camp,” stated a press release issued by SAYO SAYO President Zasitsoliebeio and General Secretary Keneiseltetso.
In response, SAYO conducted an extensive joint search and rescue operation involving over 200 volunteers. The effort included personnel from the South Police Station and Khuzama Police Station, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Southern Angami Tour Guide Council (SATGC), and volunteers from Southern Angami villages.
The teams thoroughly combed all possible locations along the trekking routes and across the Valley, also employing drone-assisted searches with expert support. The missing person’s father, uncle and brother joined the search from January 13 to 16, “but unfortunately yielded no positive results despite exhaustive efforts.”
SAYO expressed gratitude to the offices of DC Kohima; SP Kohima; Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority; South Police Station, Kohima; North Police Station; Khuzama Police Station; SDO (Civil), Jakhama; Southem Angami Public Organisation; Khriekesa Pelikro, Angami Youth Organisation; SATGC; and All Southern Angami villages for their supports.
The organisation acknowledged that Das’s parents have expressed deep appreciation for the dedicated efforts of SAYO, particularly for undertaking extensive search operations across difficult terrains and facing significant risks throughout the mission.
SAYO also expressed concern over such recurring incidents and reiterated the mandatory safety protocol for trekking in Dzükou Valley, effective from October 1, 2025, which requires all national and international tourists to be accompanied by a local tour guide.
Meanwhile, the Kohima district administration and police met officials of SAPO and SAYO engaged in the search for the missing tourist from Tripura.
Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem and Senior Superintendent of Police Krodi Rhetso, along with other officers, held discussions with representatives of SAPO and SAYO at the Viswema entry point to Dzükou on January 16, stated a DIPR report.
The administration and police appreciated the “sustained and dedicated efforts” of the organisations and their volunteers in the search operation for the tourist, who has been missing since January 4.
The officials also met the family members of the missing person and expressed solidarity and support during the ongoing search efforts.
