Nagaland: Tourist reported missing at Dzükou

A tourist from Tripura, who went to Dzükou Valley in southern Nagaland on January 4 without a local guide, has been reported missing, prompting a multi-agency search operation involving local organisations and the police.
According to sources, the tourist’s entry was recorded at the Dzükou entry point on January 4. However, it could not be confirmed whether he actually reached the valley. Locals reportedly advised him to take a guide, but he chose to proceed alone. More than 150 volunteers, under the initiative of the Southern Angami Youth Organisation, participated in search operations conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday. Drones were also deployed as part of the search, with assistance from the Nagaland Police. The operation is scheduled to resume on Thursday.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, Addl. SP & PRO Kohima police, K. Soriso Quinker said drones were used over the past two days to scan the entire valley. He added that with support from various police departments, a final search attempt would be carried out on Thursday.
Sources said there was no record of the tourist either reaching the valley or returning from it. It was also reported that he did not return to his lodge after going to Dzükou. The matter came to light after the lodge owner initially suspected that the tourist had left without clearing his dues and made enquiries regarding his whereabouts. It was subsequently discovered that the tourist had gone to Dzükou and had not returned. Family members of the missing tourist have since arrived in Nagaland from Tripura. They reportedly have been unable to establish contact with him since the day he went to Dzükou.