Organisations and leaders across Nagaland express deep sorrow over the demise of veteran peace activist Niketu Iralu.
DIMAPUR — Multiple organisations, civil society groups, and leaders have expressed sorrow and condoled the passing of Naga peace activist, thinker, and social worker Niketu Iralu, who passed away in New Delhi on August 18.
Described in the condolence notes as a "keeper of conscience" and a towering moral voice, they mentioned that Iralu dedicated over seven decades of his life to the pursuit of peace, non-violence, and reconciliation across ethnic, political, and social divides.
Various bodies remembered him as an influential voice of wisdom, humility, and integrity, whose efforts to heal divisions through dialogue and forgiveness left an indelible mark on Naga society and the wider Northeast region.
Sharing historical accounts of his journey, several organisations highlighted his lifelong service to the nation and his unique contributions.
In his condolence message, Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs KG Kenye stated that Iralu’s passing is an immense loss to the Naga people and all who admired him. Kenye noted that Iralu's life demonstrated that genuine leadership is not about positions or power but about serving people and helping society move towards healing and unity.
NSCN/GPRN Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah paid tribute to his friend, describing Iralu’s life as a testament to peace, dialogue, humility, and selfless service.
Muivah recalled that Iralu was a signatory to the second Naga Consultative Meeting on strengthening the peace process in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2002, to carry forward the Indo-Naga peace talks.
Also read: Nagaland: Veteran peace activist Niketu Iralu passes away in Delhi
The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) described Iralu as a colossal figure, a visionary peacebuilder, and an unyielding pillar of moral integrity. The council highlighted his pioneering work, noting that he dedicated decades to healing deep-seated wounds, forging paths of dialogue, and advocating for unity and forgiveness across lines of conflict. CNTC added that his unwavering belief that peace begins with inner transformation touched countless lives, transcending regional, tribal, and national boundaries.
The United Naga Council (UNC) highlighted that Iralu’s journey began during his student days at Madras Christian College in 1955, where he encountered the Moral Re-Armament (MRA) movement and committed himself to the transformation of the human heart. The council recalled his leadership as a guiding force in the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), Chairman of the Naga Reconciliation Committee, and Convenor of the Naga National Reconciliation Commission.
Neingulo Krome, Secretary General of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), recalled that upon returning to Nagaland in the late 1980s, Iralu helped tackle drug addiction through the establishment of the Kripa Foundation in Kohima. NPMHR engaged him as a speaker in its Human Rights Seminar in 1990 and as an organising committee member for the year-long International Year of the World's Indigenous People in 1993, which culminated in the celebration of Naga Week.
The Senior Citizens Association Nagaland (SCAN) expressed pride in having Iralu as a valued member. The association had honoured him with the Senior Citizens Nagaland Award on October 1, 2019, on the International Day of Older Persons. They also remembered his home, Kerünyü Ki (House of Listening), in Sechü-Zubza, which he shared with his wife Christine, as a prominent sanctuary for dialogue and reflection.
Condolence messages were also received from various political, tribal, student, and academic bodies expressing solidarity with his wife Christine Iralu, his children, and loved ones.
Those who issued condolence messages also included the Tangkhul Hoho Nagaland; the Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland; the South Nagas Union of Nagaland State; the Zeliangrong Welfare Association, Delhi; the Eastern Naga Students' Association; Tetso College; and the Linguistic Minority Forum of Nagaland.