Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio pays tribute to Niketu Iralu, recalling his lifelong commitment to peace, reconciliation and selfless service
DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has paid tribute to veteran peace advocate and Naga intellectual Niketu Iralu, who passed away in New Delhi on Tuesday following a brief illness, describing his death as a profound loss to the Naga people.
In a message issued on Wednesday, Rio described Iralu as “one of Nagaland’s finest minds”—an intellectual, mentor and tireless advocate for peace and reconciliation—and said he had devoted his life to justice, dialogue and understanding.
The chief minister highlighted Iralu’s association with Moral Re-Armament (MRA), now known as Initiatives of Change, saying his work reflected a lifelong commitment to building trust, reconciliation and understanding across divides.
Rio also recalled Iralu’s decision, following the advice of elders, to make Sechü-Zubza his home with his wife, Christine Iralu, at his “House of Listening – Kerünyü Ki”. He described the place as one of peace, reflection and healing, visited by people from across the country and abroad.
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Among Iralu’s contributions to Naga society, Rio highlighted his work addressing drug and alcohol addiction. Through his initiative to connect KRIPA Foundation, Mumbai, with the Naga Mothers’ Association, Iralu helped establish Mount Gilead Home at Sechü-Zubza, serving as its first director and counsellor.
“This was another reflection of his belief that peace and reconciliation must also extend to healing individuals, families, and communities,” Rio said.
The chief minister also noted that Iralu’s commitment to peace, moral courage and reconciliation earned him the Lifetime Achiever Award from Initiatives of Change International in South Africa in 2025.
“He gave much to Naga society and to humanity without ever asking for anything in return,” Rio said, describing Iralu’s life as one of “selfless service, guided by conviction, humility, and hope”.
On a personal note, Rio said Iralu was an elder whose wisdom he greatly valued and whose counsel and perspective he often sought.
“Our families being connected through marriage made that relationship all the more special, and I will always be grateful for the guidance and warmth he extended to me,” he said.
Rio described Iralu’s passing as both a personal loss and a profound loss for the Naga people and those around the world whose lives he touched.
“While we mourn his absence, we also celebrate a remarkable life that enriched our society in immeasurable ways and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations,” he said.
On behalf of the state government and his colleagues, Rio extended condolences to Iralu’s family, friends and all those mourning his passing, and prayed for strength and comfort for them and eternal peace for the departed soul.