Kohima: The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) has announced the conclusion of its search and rescue operation for a missing domestic tourist, Pranab Das, son of Bikash Das, a resident of Srinagar district in West Tripura.
According to SAYO, Pranab Das went missing on January 4, 2026.
The incident was reported to the organisation on January 13, following which immediate efforts were initiated to trace him. Preliminary verification revealed that Das was last recorded at the Dzükou ticketing counter in Viswema on January 4, confirming his entry towards Dzükou Valley. However, there is no official record of his arrival at the Dzükou Valley base camp.
In response, SAYO coordinated an extensive joint search and rescue operation involving over 200 volunteers. The operation included personnel from the South Police Station and Khuzama Police Station, officials of the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), members of the Southern Angami Tour Guide Council (SATGC), and volunteers from various Southern Angami villages.
Search teams thoroughly combed all possible trekking routes leading to Dzükou Valley and conducted extensive ground searches across the valley itself. The operation was further strengthened through drone-assisted searches with expert technical support. Pranab Das’s father, uncle, and brother also participated in the joint search operation from January 13 to January 16. Despite sustained and exhaustive efforts, no positive leads were found.
SAYO expressed its sincere gratitude to the offices and organisations that extended support during the operation, including the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima; Superintendent of Police, Kohima; Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority; South Police Station, Kohima; North Police Station; Khuzama Police Station; Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Jakhama; Southern Angami Public Organisation; Khriekesa Pelikro, Angami Youth Organisation; Southern Angami Tour Guide Council; and all Southern Angami villages for deploying resources and personnel under challenging conditions.
The organisation also acknowledged that the parents of Pranab Das conveyed their deep appreciation for SAYO’s dedicated efforts, particularly for undertaking search operations across difficult terrain and facing significant risks during the mission.
While expressing concern over such recurring unfortunate incidents, SAYO reiterated the importance of adhering to trekking safety protocols. The organisation emphasised that, as per regulations enforced from October 1, 2025, all domestic and international tourists are mandatorily required to engage a local tour guide while trekking to Dzükou Valley.
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