A prayer in progress during the brief reception at Dimapur Airport after the mortal remains of Niketu Iralu were brought back to Nagaland from Delhi on August 19. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 19
Thousands of people gathered at Dimapur Airport on August 19 to pay their last respects to veteran Naga peacebuilder and thinker Niketu Iralu, whose mortal remains were brought back to Nagaland from New Delhi, where he passed away on August 18.
The short reception, coordinated by the Khonoma Rüffüno Nagaland (KRN) as part of a final homecoming programme titled “Honouring a Legacy of Common Hope,” was marked by tributes, prayer and a sombre farewell.
The KRN called the departed peacebuilder “healer of wounded souls.’
Youth in traditional attire received Iralu’s mortal remains, while the cries of dirges added to the solemn atmosphere as mourners gathered to bid him a final farewell.
Following the short service, a mass prayer and benediction were offered before the mortal remains were taken towards Sechü Zubza.
Tributes were also paid at the reception by representatives of the Angami Public Organisation, Tenyimi Peoples’ Organisation, Naga Council Dimapur, Chakhroma Public Organisation and Fellowship of Naga Baptist Association, who recalled and celebrated Iralu’s lifelong contributions to peacebuilding, reconciliation and the Naga society.
The funeral service will be held on August 20 at 12 noon at Spicer Hall, Shalom Bible Seminary, Sechü Zubza, followed by burial at his abode Kerünyü Ki or ‘House of Listening.’
The homecoming programme described Iralu, who lived from 1935 to 2026, as a “Veteran Naga Peace Builder & Conscience Keeper” and a quotation featured on the banner reflected the essence of Iralu’s work on reconciliation and trust-building.
“When we go beyond, seeing only where others have hurt us and be ready to see where we too may have provoked them to hurt us, then forgiving and being forgiven becomes possible,” he said.
The words were spoken during his virtual address on receiving the 2025 Initiatives of Change (IofC) Lifetime Achiever Award in Pretoria, where Iralu said trust-building requires recognising both the hurt suffered and one’s own role in causing it, making restitution and reconciliation possible.
Tributes to a peacebuilder
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio led more tribute to him and described Iralu as “one of Nagaland’s finest minds” and a “tireless advocate for peace and reconciliation”, saying he devoted his life to justice, dialogue and understanding.
He recalled Iralu’s association with Moral Re-Armament, now known as Initiatives of Change, and his efforts to build trust and reconciliation across divides. He also highlighted Iralu’s home at Sechü-Zubza, Kerünyü Ki as a place of peace, reflection and healing.
CM Rio also recalled Iralu’s work on drug and alcohol addiction, including his role in establishing Mount Gilead Home at Sechü-Zubza, where he served as its first Director and counsellor.
Rio noted that Iralu’s commitment to peace, moral courage and reconciliation earned him the 2025 Lifetime Achiever Award from Initiatives of Change International in South Africa.
On behalf of the State Government and his colleagues, the Chief Minister extended condolences to Iralu’s family, friends and all who mourn his passing, praying for strength and comfort for the bereaved and for his soul to rest in eternal peace.
The KUN also described Iralu as a veteran peace activist, advocate for reconciliation and a “healer of wounded souls”, saying he devoted his life to conflict management, trust-building and dialogue across political and ethnic divides.
It described his passing as a profound loss not only to Khonoma and the Naga people but also to the wider peacebuilding community worldwide.
Niketu Iralu | 1935–2026
A life in trust-building and reconciliation
1935 — Early life
Born to Dr Sevilie Iralu, the third Naga to become a doctor, and Mrs Vituno Iralu, elder sister of A Z Phizo, Niketu Iralu was one of 13 children. He died at the age of 91.
Education and early influence
After completing his Pre-University studies in Shillong, Iralu went on to Madras Christian College. It was during his time there that he encountered Moral Re-Armament (MRA), now known as Initiatives of Change (IofC).
65 years with IofC
Iralu remained associated with IofC for 65 years, working globally with the organisation. He later served as Director of Asia Plateau, the IofC India centre at Panchgani, Maharashtra.
2004 — Naga National Reconciliation Commission
The Naga Hoho and Nagaland Christian Forum, representing different Christian denominations, appointed a seven-member Naga National Reconciliation Commission in 2004, with Iralu as its chairman, to carry forward the work of reconciliation.
Reconciliation and peacebuilding
A prominent Naga peace activist, Iralu became widely known for his work on trust-building, reconciliation and non-violence in the Northeast. He played a role in fostering dialogue among divided Naga political groups and was also a leading voice of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).
A philosophy of personal transformation
Iralu grounded his work in personal transformation and truth-telling as foundations for wider social healing. He frequently emphasised that “a life not examined is not worth living”, urging individuals and communities to cultivate inner integrity as a basis for lasting reform and peace.
Kerünyü Ki — ‘House of Listening’
Kerünyü Ki, meaning ‘House of Listening’, at Sechü Zubza became the home of Iralu, his wife Christine and their children. The space also became a place where people from different walks of life came seeking meaning, purpose and healing.
Honours and recognition
Iralu’s contributions were recognised through several awards, including the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Award for National Integration (2005), UN Brahma Foundation’s ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award (2011), Rotary Peace Award (2018) from the Rotary Club of Kohima, Bhupen Hazarika Integration Award (2023) and the Initiatives of Change International Lifetime Achievement Award (2025) for his dedication to trust-building in Northeast India.
2026 — A life remembered
Niketu Iralu died in New Delhi on August 18, 2026, while undergoing medical treatment. His work leaves a legacy centred on trust, reconciliation, truth-telling and the pursuit of peace.
