No trace of missing tourist: SAYO

Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) on Friday said that despite extensive joint search and rescue operations, the missing tourist, reportedly identified as Pranab Das (son of Bikash Das) from Srinagar district, West Tripura, could not be traced.
In a press release, SAYO president Zasitsolie Beio and general secretary Keneisel Tetso informed that Das, a domestic tourist, had gone missing on January 4, 2026, though the matter was reported to the organisation only on January 13. SAYO stated that the tourist’s last known movement was recorded at the Dzükou ticketing counter at Viswema on January 4, confirming his entry towards Dzükou. However, there was no record of his arrival at the Dzükou Valley base camp.
Following receipt of the information, SAYO launched a coordinated search and rescue operation involving over 200 volunteers.
The operation included police personnel from South Police Station and Khuzama Police Station, officials from the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), members of the Southern Angami Tour Guide Council (SATGC), and volunteers from various Southern Angami villages.
The release stated that volunteers carried out thorough searches along all possible trekking routes leading to Dzükou Valley as well as across the valley itself. The operation was further intensified with drone-assisted searches conducted with expert support.
SAYO said that the search and rescue operation was carried out jointly with the missing tourist’s father, uncle and brother from January 13 to January 16, but yielded no positive outcome despite exhaustive efforts.
The organisation expressed its sincere gratitude to the office of the deputy commissioner, Kohima; superintendent of police, Kohima; Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA); South, North and Khuzama police stations; SDO (C), Jakhama; Southern Angami Public Organisation; Khriekesa Pelikro Angami Youth Organisation; Southern Angami Tour Guide Council (SATGC); and all Southern Angami villages for extending valuable support and cooperation by deploying resources and personnel for the search and rescue operation.
SAYO also acknowledged that the parents of Pranab Das conveyed their deep appreciation for the organisation’s dedicated efforts, particularly the extensive searches conducted across difficult terrain under considerable risk.
While expressing concern over such recurring unfortunate incidents, SAYO reiterated that as per safety protocols enforced from October 1, 2025, all domestic and international tourists are mandatorily required to engage a local tour guide while trekking to Dzükou Valley.