A multi-agency search operation is underway in southern Nagaland after a tourist from Tripura went missing while trekking to Dzükou Valley on January 4, officials said. The tourist had registered his entry at the Dzükou trekking point but there is no confirmation that he reached the destination. Local residents had reportedly cautioned him against trekking without a guide, but he proceeded alone.
The search operation has seen the participation of more than 150 volunteers, led by the Southern Angami Youth Organisation, alongside personnel from the Nagaland Police. Drones have been deployed to aid the search in the challenging terrain. According to Additional Superintendent of Police and PRO, Kohima Police, K. Soriso Quinker, drone surveillance was carried out across the valley over the last two days. He said police teams, supported by multiple units, plan to conduct a final coordinated search on Thursday.
Sources said there is no evidence that the tourist returned from the trek, nor did he come back to his lodge after leaving for Dzükou Valley. The case surfaced after the lodge owner, while enquiring about unpaid dues, discovered that the tourist had gone trekking and failed to return. Relatives of the missing tourist have since reached Nagaland from Tripura. They reportedly have had no communication with him since the day he left for Dzükou Valley.
