Dimapur, August 20 (MExN): A cross-section of Naga organisations, church bodies, political leaders, civil society groups and individuals have mourned the death of veteran peacebuilder, social worker and thinker Niketu Iralu, describing him as a moral voice who devoted his life to peace, reconciliation, dialogue and human dignity.
Iralu, who died in New Delhi on August 18, was widely remembered for his decades-long efforts to bridge political, ethnic and social differences and promote non-violence and reconciliation.
BWA: The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) and its Commission on Human Rights, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation described his life as a witness to human dignity, peace and reconciliation. His commitment to dialogue, willingness to listen across differences and persistent efforts to bring people together had made a lasting contribution to Nagaland, the Northeast and beyond, it said.
NEICC: The North East India Christian Council (NEICC) remembered Iralu as a thoughtful social scientist, informed observer of the region and wider world, respected peacebuilder and deeply ecumenical and inclusive person. His ability to listen and engage across differences made him a trusted elder and counsellor to many in Shillong and across the Northeast, it said.
NCSN (IM): NSCN (IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah described Iralu as a man whose life was a testament to peace, dialogue, humility and selfless service to the Naga people. He said Iralu consistently chose understanding over confrontation and dialogue over division, earning respect through his honesty, gracious conduct and commitment. Muivah described him as a “true statesman and patriot”.
UCC Alumni Association: The Union Christian College Alumni Association said Iralu would be deeply missed by the college community and the many people whose lives he touched through service, leadership and commitment to peace and reconciliation. It recalled his work through Moral Re-Armament and later Initiatives of Change in promoting dialogue and relationships across divisions.
CNTC: The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) described Iralu as a visionary peacebuilder, moral leader and “conscience keeper” of the Naga people, adding that he was a beacon of non-violence, truth and mutual understanding who devoted decades to healing divisions, promoting dialogue and advocating unity and forgiveness.
WSBAK: The Western Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK) described Iralu as a veteran worker for Naga peacebuilding, conscience keeper and dedicated advocate of non-violence and unity. It expressed sympathy to his family and prayed for strength and comfort for them.
NPMHR: The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) recalled Iralu’s lifelong commitment to peace-building and reconciliation through his work which played a significant role in addressing social issues, including drug addiction, and contributed to human rights advocacy during difficult periods of fratricidal conflict among Naga groups.
Naga Hoho: The Naga Hoho described Iralu as a distinguished peace activist, thinker and social worker whose contributions to Naga society were immeasurable. Naga Hoho speaker Pauheu Newme said Iralu was a “towering moral voice” and visionary peacebuilder who worked to heal divisions, build trust and foster understanding among Naga tribes and beyond.
SAPO: The Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) described Iralu as the moral conscience of the Naga people, saying he had spent more than six decades pursuing peace, truth and reconciliation with humility, courage and unwavering faith.
APO: The Angami Public Organisation (APO) described him as a pioneer of peace and conflict resolution and a moral compass of the people, saying his work with Initiatives of Change and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) made him a major asset to the Angami community and Nagaland.
Neiba Kronu: Former minister Neiba Kronu described Iralu as a veteran peace activist, educator and social scientist who devoted decades to building trust and fostering understanding, particularly through the FNR. MLA Ar. Jwenga Seb called him a veteran peace activist, moral leader and reconciliation advocate whose legacy of healing divisions would inspire generations.
YTC: The Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) described Iralu as a revered statesman, peacemaker and moral voice who devoted more than seven decades to peace, reconciliation and human dignity across Nagaland and Northeast India. It recalled his message that true change and peace must begin within oneself and that healing requires recognising the harm one may have caused others.
Thenucho Tunyi: Former Nagaland Legislative Assembly speaker Thenucho Tunyi remembered Iralu as a true gentleman who was soft-spoken and articulate, with warmth and humility that left a lasting impression. The Naga Club said his mentorship and counsel during difficult times had been a source of motivation and inspiration, recalling his work in conflict resolution, reconciliation and moral leadership across political and ethnic divisions.
K G Kenye: Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs K G Kenye described Iralu as a tireless advocate of peace, reconciliation and unity whose death was an immense loss to the Nagas. He said Iralu’s commitment to dialogue, forgiveness, humility and non-violence made him a respected voice in the search for lasting peace.
SCAN: The Senior Citizens Association Nagaland (SCAN) described his death as an irreplaceable loss and recalled that he was honoured with the Senior Citizens Nagaland Award in 2019 for his distinguished contribution and exemplary life of service.
ZWAD: The Zeliangrong Welfare Association Delhi (ZWAD) described Iralu as a “moral compass” for the Naga people and the wider Northeast, highlighting his work through the FNR, Initiatives of Change and Kerünyü Ki (House of Listening) in promoting dialogue, empathy and mutual forgiveness.
KTCN: The Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland (KTCN) said Iralu’s decades-long efforts encouraged dialogue, understanding, forgiveness and healing of divisions, while Tetso College said his lifetime of selfless contribution to peace and trust-building had left an indelible mark on Naga history.
LMFN: The Linguistic Minority Forum of Nagaland (LMFN) said Iralu’s life of service demonstrated that true service to humanity was measured not by position or recognition but by the lives touched and hope left behind. The Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA) remembered him for his wisdom, humility, integrity and dedication to the welfare of the Naga people.
Tangkhul Hoho: The Tangkhul Hoho Nagaland described Iralu’s life as an unparalleled commitment to love, peace and faith in the Creator, stating, “no words could adequately capture his lifelong devotion and service to humanity and to the Naga people.”
NPIP: The Naga Peoples’ Initiative for Peace (NPIP) said Iralu’s wisdom, courage and commitment to peace, reconciliation, non-violence and human dignity had made a lasting contribution to the Naga people and the wider peace community.
South Nagas Union: The South Nagas Union of Nagaland State said Iralu carried a deep burden for the Naga people and worked with grace, humility and compassion throughout his life. It expressed gratitude for his legacy of service and said his lifelong devotion to peace, unity and healing would be remembered by generations.
Patrick Solo: Patrick Solo Khriesazotuo of Diphupar described Iralu as a revered Naga elder, visionary leader, statesman, scholar, thinker and writer who stood for peace, reconciliation, healing and unity. He said Iralu’s passing was not only the loss of a great public figure but also of someone whose brief personal encounter with him had left a lasting impression.
Across the condolence messages, organisations and individuals extended sympathy to Iralu’s wife Christine, children, relatives, friends and colleagues, and prayed for comfort and strength for the bereaved family. They said his legacy of dialogue, reconciliation, trust-building and human dignity would continue to guide and inspire future generations.
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