Niketu Iralu. (File Photo)
Leaves behind a legacy of peace and healing
Vishü Rita Krocha
Kohima | August 18
The peacebuilding world of the Nagas has been shaken by the loss of Niketu Iralu, a passionate peacebuilder, who impacted the lives of the young and old alike: from his home town of Sechü Zubza in Kohima district to the world. His efforts earned him global recognition for his work on personal transformation, non-violence, and reconciliation.
The veteran Naga peacebuilder, thinker and reconciliation advocate passed away in New Delhi on August 18. According to reports, Iralu had been unwell and was admitted to BLK Hospital in New Delhi, and reportedly died following a cardiac arrest. He was 91.
His contributions to peacebuilding and social transformation earned him several national and international recognitions, including the Initiatives of Change (IofC) Lifetime Achiever Award in 2025, Dr Bhupen Hazarika Integration Award in 2023, Distinguished Senior Citizens Award in 2019 and Rotary Peace Award in 2018.
A funeral programme was held at the Nagaland State Guest House, Sector 12 RK Puram, Delhi on August 18 at 9:30pm. The mortal remains are scheduled to be flown in to Nagaland on August 19 afternoon.
Affectionately known to many as ‘Uncle Niketu,’ Iralu was a much-loved voice for peace, reconciliation and trustbuilding in Nagaland and the North-East, dedicating around seven decades to bridging political and ethnic divides and bringing people together. Among others, he was a guiding force in the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), an influential peace-building forum.
“Standing close to the shock of Uncle Niketu Iralu’s passing, I struggle to see clearly through the cloud of grief. Yet even in sorrow, his life emerges as an epic, an extraordinary story authored by God Himself,” expressed Rev Dr Wati Aier, Convenor, FNR.
“Uncle Niketu’s unwavering commitment to justice and his unvarying support for every cause of human rights marked him as a rare moral personality in our times,” he told The Morung Express while highlighting that, “his record as a champion of peace, reconciliation, and healing remains unmatched.”
Dr Aier also recalled that, “wherever he stood, his presence carried with it the assurance of godliness, a quiet testimony that inspired confidence and hope” and stated firm belief that his life was not merely lived, but was offered, poured out in service to the people, to truth, and to the vision of a reconciled community.
In him, he said that, “the Naga story found a witness who believed that peace was not an abstract ideal but a lived discipline, nurtured through dialogue, humility, and courage.”
As we bid him good night, he added that, “we acknowledge that his day of earthly labor is over. Yet we hold fast to the promise of that glad morning when all the saints of God are gathered home. There, in the company of the faithful, we shall meet again and recount the story of how, by grace, we have overcome.”
Affirming that Iralu’s legacy will endure, not only in the annals of Naga history but in the conscience of all who seek peace and healing in fractured worlds, Dr Aier said that, “his life calls us to continue the journey he began, to walk the path of reconciliation with courage and faith.”
Rosemary Dzüvichü, Advisor to Naga Mothers' Association (NMA) felt that, “Uncle Niketu has left us when Nagas needed him most” while mourning the passing of the Naga Elder who, she stated “was a hero to the younger generation.” Recalling that he was always a bridge to settle differences, she said, “I remember he wanted both of us to travel to Gaidinliu's village to make peace for the hurts between our communities.”
“That was Uncle Niketu...responsible and always more gender sensitive than most educated. His relationship with the Naga Mothers was for decades as guide and mentor to many past leaders,” she stated while sharing her prayer for God to grant him eternal peace and rest.
Academic Wetshete Joseph Thopi, who is Dean of Students, Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) remembered Niketu Iralu as a visionary peacemaker, a moral giant, a deeply cherished mentor, and someone he always looked up to and regarded as a true role model.
Describing him as a humanist, a peace activist, and a man of remarkable courage and conviction, he testified that, “yet, for all his stature and wisdom, he remained humble and down-to-earth, and possessed a rare willingness to listen, to genuinely hear people out, understand their perspectives, and engage with them with patience and compassion.”
He said that Iralu’s lifelong pursuit of peace, reconciliation, and understanding across the North East leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. “His voice may have fallen silent, but the light he shared, the wisdom he imparted, and the bridges he helped build will endure,” he shared.
