A tourist from Tripura has gone missing after embarking on a trek to Dzükou Valley in southern Nagaland on January 4 without a local guide, prompting an extensive search operation involving the police and local organizations.
Sources said the tourist’s entry was recorded at the Dzükou trekking point on the day he set out, but it remains unclear whether he actually reached the valley. Despite being advised by locals to hire a guide, he reportedly chose to continue the trek alone.
Over 150 volunteers, mobilised by the Southern Angami Youth Organisation, have been conducting search operations in the area. The Nagaland Police have also deployed drones to assist in scanning the difficult terrain. Additional Superintendent of Police and PRO, Kohima Police, K. Soriso Quinker, told Nagaland Post that drone surveillance was carried out over the past two days to cover the entire valley. He added that with support from various police units, a final phase of the search was scheduled for Thursday.
According to sources, there is no confirmed record of the tourist either reaching Dzükou Valley or returning from it. He also failed to return to his lodge after setting out on the trek. The matter came to light after the lodge owner, initially suspecting the guest had checked out without clearing dues, made enquiries, which revealed that the tourist had gone to Dzükou and never returned.
Family members of the missing tourist have since arrived in Nagaland from Tripura and are assisting authorities. They reportedly have not been able to contact him since January 4.
