Kohima district administration and Kohima Press Club organised a memorial tribute honouring late Niketu Iralu, remembering his contributions to peace, reconciliation and Naga society.
KOHIMA — A memorial tribute in honour of late Niketu Iralu was organised by the Kohima district administration in partnership with the Kohima Press Club (KPC) at the DC’s conference hall, Kohima, on Thursday.
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, paid tribute to Iralu, describing him as “a true son of the soil” and a respected scholar, writer and thoughtful voice of Nagaland who dedicated his life to peace, reconciliation, dialogue and the well-being of the people.
Buchem said Iralu, fondly remembered as “Uncle Niketu”, offered wisdom and guidance through his writings and public engagements on the challenges and future of Naga society.
His commitment to truth, peace and understanding, he said, had left an enduring legacy that would continue to inspire generations.
The DC said Naga society had lost someone whose wisdom and guidance were needed the most, describing Iralu as “the conscience keeper of the Naga people” in the contemporary era.
Superintendent of Police, Kohima, Krodi Rhetso, described Iralu as a man of high moral integrity, deep understanding and selflessness, and as a deeply peace-loving person.
Also read: Nagaland: Veteran peace activist Niketu Iralu passes away in Delhi
He said Iralu’s life and works had enriched, influenced and inspired all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rhetso said Iralu left behind a legacy of peaceful coexistence and goodwill among all sections of society and showed a path towards resolving conflicts through dialogue, negotiation, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Iralu’s son, Kevipulie Iralu, shared anecdotes and recollections of his father.
WATCH MORE:
He recalled that Niketu had maintained close relations with his siblings and was a strong-willed child. He also described his father as well-travelled, saying his experiences from a young age contributed to his understanding of people and issues.
Kevipulie recalled his father telling him that he had been a shy person. However, he said, his father was emboldened by his faith and a strong sense of justice. Once an idea took shape in his mind, he would pursue it through the process of writing until he reached a conclusion, he recalled, adding that he had often witnessed his father working late into the night on articles and speeches.
He further said his father’s achievements would not have been possible without his engagement and dialogue with Naga civil society and people across the country, facilitated by his extensive connections and travels.
During a tribute titled “As I Knew Him: A Tribute”, KPC adviser Alice Yhoshü recalled her professional interactions with Iralu as a journalist, describing him as always polite and responsive towards members of the media.
“His deep interest and knowledge of a wide spectrum of topics made him someone with whom we could talk about or discuss anything,” she recalled.
She said Iralu championed peaceful relationships among people everywhere and was always ready to offer his service and efforts towards restoring peace and relationships.
KPC general secretary Seyiekietuo Keretsü also expressed his admiration for Iralu, recalling how he repeatedly reminded Nagas of the importance of learning to forgive one another.
KPC president Vishü Rita Krocha read out a biography of late Niketu Iralu and a poem titled “The Guiding Light”.
Neithonuo Tungoe, creative head of Take One, also paid tribute to Iralu, following which a short video on his life was screened.
Imti Phom, President of Phom Union Kohima, read out a condolence message on behalf of the Phom Peoples’ Council.
The programme concluded with a short sharing and prayer led by Rev. Ruokuovilie Sachü, President of the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship.