Dimapur: Search operations to trace a tourist missing from the Dzukou Valley have yielded no leads even 13 days after he was last seen at the popular trekking destination in Kohima district.
According to reports, Pranab Das, a resident of West Tripura’s Srinagar district, was last spotted at the Dzukou Valley ticketing counter in Viswema on January 4. The incident was reported to the authorities on January 13.
Following the report, multiple search teams were immediately deployed across the valley. The teams included members of the Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO), Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO), personnel from South and Khuzama police stations, officials of the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, members of the Southern Angami Tour Guide Council, and volunteers from various Southern Angami villages.
Despite sustained efforts, the search operation had failed to locate any trace of the missing tourist till Saturday. Family members of Das have also joined the search teams in the valley.
Meanwhile, Kohima Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem, accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police Krodi Rhetso and other administrative and police officers, visited the Viswema entry point to Dzukou on Friday. They met representatives of SAPO and SAYO to review the ongoing search efforts.
During the interaction, district officials and police personnel appreciated the commitment and coordination shown by SAPO, SAYO and volunteers involved in the search operation.
The officials also met Das’s family members and expressed solidarity, assuring them of continued support as the search operation continues.