Sharingain Longkumer, Naga organisations and the NEICC mourn the passing of veteran peace activist Niketu Iralu in New Delhi.
DIMAPUR — Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Sharingain Longkumer, along with multiple political and civil society organisations, has expressed grief over the passing of veteran Naga peace activist, scholar, and thinker Niketu Iralu, who passed away in New Delhi on Tuesday.
NLA Speaker: In a condolence message, Speaker Sharingain Longkumer described Iralu as a "revered Naga elder and tireless advocate for peace and reconciliation".
He stated that Iralu's life was dedicated to the pursuit of peace, justice, and dialogue. From his long association with Initiatives of Change and his international peace work to his leadership in the Forum of Naga Reconciliation, he remained deeply committed to transforming conflict through truth, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
The Speaker noted that Iralu leaves behind a remarkable legacy of wisdom, courage, humility, and service, adding that his contribution to the Naga peace and reconciliation process will be remembered with profound respect and gratitude.
"As we mourn the loss of a cherished soul, I extended my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray that they find strength and solace in the remarkable life he lived and the enduring legacy he leaves behind," Longkumer stated.
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NSF: In a condolence message, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) described Iralu’s death as a “profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss", saying that he had dedicated his life to the pursuit of peace, justice, reconciliation and the dignity of the Naga people.
The federation said Iralu remained a “voice of conscience and hope” through decades of committed service, tirelessly working towards a peaceful and honourable future for the Naga people.
Highlighting his contribution to the Naga peace process, the NSF said his enduring advocacy for dialogue, understanding and reconciliation would remain an important part of the collective history of the Naga people.
“At a time when the Naga people faced deep divisions and uncertainty, his courage to speak for peace and his unwavering belief in the power of reconciliation offered hope to generations,” the NSF stated.
The federation also said Iralu’s life would continue to serve as an example for the younger generation, particularly through his values of service, integrity, compassion and responsibility.
Paying tribute to Iralu, the NSF said his values and his pursuit of peace would continue to inspire future generations.
NPF: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) stated that Iralu was a veteran Naga peace activist and a towering figure whose life was an embodiment of compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to the Naga people.
The party noted that he served as a core guiding force in the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).
According to the NPF, he dedicated himself selflessly to the cause of peace, healing, and trust-building among the Nagas at a time when it was most needed. Through dialogue, forgiveness, and moral clarity, he became a voice of reason and a bridge between communities.
The NPF stated that with his demise, Naga society has lost one of its most sincere torchbearers of peace, adding that the vacuum left by his departure will be deeply felt by the entire Naga family. The party extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members, friends, and admirers.
WCH: The Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH), in a message, expressed deep sadness at the passing of Iralu, describing him as a respected Naga elder, veteran peace activist, scholar, thinker, writer, and one of the most enduring voices for peace and reconciliation in society.
The hoho stated that Iralu devoted his life to building bridges where there were divisions, encouraging dialogue where there was distrust, and reminding the people of the power of forgiveness, compassion, and understanding.
The WCH added that he was a moral voice whose words carried the weight of experience and wisdom. Through his writings, public engagement, and tireless advocacy, he encouraged the Naga people to look beyond differences and seek healing through reconciliation, restitution, and mutual understanding.
Describing him as a gem of Naga society, the hoho stated that his message of forgiveness, dialogue, trust, and reconciliation will continue to guide generations to come. The WCH extended condolences to the bereaved family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
NEICC: The North East India Christian Council (NEICC), in a statement, expressed its profound sorrow at the passing of Iralu, describing him as a distinguished Naga thinker, social scientist, peacebuilder, and advocate of reconciliation.
The council noted that during the years he lived in Shillong, Iralu became a respected and trusted presence in the city, where people from different walks of life sought his counsel on personal, social, community, and public matters.
The NEICC stated that Iralu was deeply ecumenical and inclusive in his outlook and relationships, relating warmly to people across denominational, tribal, social, cultural, and political lines.
It added that he possessed considerable intellectual depth and was exceptionally well informed about the Naga struggle, the political and historical realities of the region, the concerns and aspirations of Indigenous peoples, and developments in national and international affairs.
It extended its heartfelt condolences to his wife, Christine Iralu, his family, friends, colleagues, and all who mourn his passing.
NGA: The Nagaland Gorkha Association (NGA) also condoled the death of Iralu, calling him a distinguished peace activist whose lifetime of service and steadfast commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and harmony earned him the respect of the Naga people, as well as non-Naga communities.
“He served as a core guiding force in the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and was also closely associated with Initiatives of Change (formerly Moral Re-Armament MRA),” the NGA message stated.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his bereaved family, friends and associates. His exemplary leadership and tireless advocacy for peace have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire those who work for peace, justice and reconciliation.”