Multiple organisations and leaders in Nagaland mourn the passing of veteran peace activist Niketu Iralu.
DIMAPUR — Multiple organisations, tribal bodies, civil society groups, and leaders have expressed profound grief over the passing of veteran Naga peace activist and social reformer Niketu Iralu, who passed away in New Delhi on August 18.
Described as the moral compass and conscience of Naga society, Iralu dedicated over six decades to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and trust-building across political and ethnic divides.
Tributes highlighted his unwavering commitment to non-violence, dialogue, and honest introspection. He was remembered as a leader of upright character who taught that true nation-building begins with healing the human heart and urged communities to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation.
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Several organisations shared personal anecdotes of their association with the peacebuilder. Kuki Inpi Nagaland recalled a cherished historical bond, noting how Iralu’s father, Dr. Sevilie Iralu, while serving as a medical doctor in Tening, shared the Gospel and built a lifelong friendship with Lengjang Kuki, a signatory of the memorandum to the Simon Commission, a legacy of fraternity that Niketu Iralu continued to honour.
CTAN and NNQF recalled how Iralu stood with young people during their 2025 protest against the regularisation of 147 assistant professor and librarian posts, attending and speaking at their public dialogue despite being advised against it.
The Naga Rising recalled Iralu's guidance during the release of their vision statement six years ago, when he advised them to do what is right in the eyes of God, keep the process clean, and act as a platform that enables people to breathe. Meanwhile, the Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations remembered his valuable contributions as a resource person who challenged church leaders to reflect on their societal responsibilities.
N Kitovi Zhimomi, Convener of the Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups, recalled enriching personal conversations with Iralu during their involvement with the Forum for Naga Reconciliation. The Naga Club and Naga Hoho paid tribute to his home, "Kerünyü Ki" (House of Listening) in Sechü Zubza, which served as a sanctuary where he listened to and inspired countless visitors.
The GPRN/NSCN (Unification) highlighted his national and global recognition, noting that in the 70th year of his association with the Initiatives of Change movement, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award and was also conferred the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Integration Award in 2023 for his contributions to social integration in Northeast India.
Condolences and tributes were paid by multiple tribal and community apex bodies, including the Angami Public Organisation, Southern Angami Public Organisation, Sümi Hoho, Tenyimi Union Dimapur, Yimkhiung Tribal Council, Rengma Hoho, Khonoma Rüffüno Nagaland, Khonoma Rüffüno Kuda Razha, Kuki Inpi Nagaland, and the Naga Club.
Youth and women's groups also expressed their grief, including the Angami Women Organisation, Tenyimia Women Union Nagaland, Tenyimi Youth Organisation Dimapur, Dimapur Naga Students’ Union, CTAN, and NNQF.
Also read: Zeliang, Patton mourn Niketu Iralu’s demise
Among the Naga political and civil groups expressing condolences were the NSCN/GPRN (Niki), GPRN/NSCN (Unification), Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups, Federal Government of Nagaland (Zhopra Vero), Naga Hoho, Global Naga Forum, The Naga Rising, and Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation Nagaland.
Religious, academic, and peace organisations that paid tribute included Peace Channel, North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research, Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations, Kuki Christian Leaders’ Forum of Manipur, and the Naga Scholars’ Association.
Tributes and expressions of solidarity were also extended by leaders and public figures, including Member of Legislative Assembly Jwenga Seb, former Minister Neiba Kronu, and former Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Thenucho Tunyi.