Dimapur, Jan. 22 (EMN): One tourist identified as Bakhanta Nath from Gugamukh in Dhemaji district, Assam, was found dead at the Rest Camp above Dzukou Valley on January 17.
In a delayed report, the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) informed that the deceased, along with four companions, had come to visit Dzukou Valley on January 16. He was found dead on the following day, adding that his companions fled to Assam without informing the concerned authorities.
On receipt of the information, SAYO gathered around 30 volunteers along with the officer in-charge of Khuzama police station and his personnel and brought the deceased from Dzukou Valley to Viswema village junction.
SAYO president, Metekhrielie Mejura, and the general secretary, Metevizo Sophie, stated that the mortal remains was handed over to the South Police Station in Kohima for post mortem examination after a short funeral service. It was informed that the cause was natural and there was no foul play.
On January 19, the deceased was handed over to the family members after completion of all formalities.
Meanwhile, SAYO has condemned the incapacitated companions of the deceased for their negligence and disloyal attitude in reporting the incident to the caretakers of Dzukou Valley, SAYO and the police. It also reprimanded them for violating the mandatory guidelines of not taking a local tourist guide for trekking to Dzukou Valley. Following the unfortunate incident, SAYO has appealed to all persons, local, domestic and international tourists to mandatorily seek local tourist guides while trekking to Dzukou Valley or in the Southern Angami areas in Nagaland.
SAYO further thanked the Kohima senior superintendent of police Kevithuto Sophie, officer in-charge of Khuzama police station and his team, SDO (C) of Jakhama, Viswema village council and youth organisation, and volunteers from Southern Angami villages for their physical support, timely intervention and volunteering their services in the hour of need.