Dimapur, August 19 (MExN): Condolences have continued to pour in from organisations across Nagaland and the North-East following the death of veteran Naga peacebuilder, thinker Dr Niketu Iralu on August 18 in New Delhi. He was 91.
The tributes remembered him for his lifelong commitment to peace, reconciliation, trust-building, dialogue and social healing, while several organisations recalled his personal warmth, humility and willingness to engage across political, tribal and generational divides.
His death was widely described as a loss to the Naga people and to the wider peacebuilding community.
ACAUT Nagaland
ACAUT Nagaland, of which Iralu was an Advisor, described him as the “conscience” of the organisation and a fearless voice against injustice. It said his wisdom, integrity and commitment to non-violence, dialogue and transparency strengthened its work against corruption and exploitative taxation.
AWO: The Angami Women Organisation (AWO) described Iralu as a respected Naga peace activist, social thinker, writer and advocate for reconciliation. It recalled his decades of work in peacebuilding, trust-building and reconciliation through the Naga Reconciliation Commission and Initiatives of Change, saying his thoughtful writings and belief in reconciliation would remain part of his legacy.
CTAN & NNQF: CTAN and NNQF recalled Iralu’s support for young people, particularly during their 2025 protest against the regularisation of 147 Assistant Professors and Librarians posts. The organisations said he amplified their concerns through podcasts and a “Public Dialogue on 147”, and remembered him as an elder who listened to and trusted young people to question and shape a better future.
DNSU: The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) mourned Iralu as a veteran Naga peacebuilder, thinker and conscience keeper whose life was dedicated to peace, reconciliation and a better future for the Naga people. It said his words, writings and lifelong engagement highlighted dialogue, forgiveness, understanding and shared responsibility.
GNF: The Global Naga Forum (GNF) described Iralu as a rare and irreplaceable presence in Naga society and a voice of wisdom, peace, reconciliation and unity. It particularly remembered his empathy, humility, warmth and ability to make people from different backgrounds feel heard and respected.
GPRN/NSCN (U): The GPRN/NSCN (Unification) described Iralu as a guiding light whose life was devoted to peace, reconciliation and harmony. It said he consistently upheld fraternity and mutual respect among Naga national workers and played an invaluable role in the Forum for Naga Reconciliation. It also recalled his Lifetime Achievement Award from Initiatives of Change and the Bhupen Hazarika Integration Award (2023).
IWFNEI: The Indigenous Women’s Forum of North East India (IWFNEI) remembered Iralu as a distinguished Naga elder and leader and a steadfast voice for peace, reconciliation and trust-building in Nagaland and the wider Northeast. It highlighted his more than six decades of service and engagement with Initiatives of Change and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation.
KRKR: The Khonoma Rüffüno Kuda Razha (KRKR) described Iralu as a revered leader, elder and “beacon of peace”, saying his influence extended far beyond Khonoma through his work on reconciliation, truth and moral integrity. It remembered his humility, wisdom, moral courage and commitment to deep listening.
KCLF Manipur: The Kuki Christian Leaders’ Forum (KCLF) Manipur mourned Iralu as a respected Naga peacebuilder who devoted his life to trust-building, dialogue and reconciliation among communities in the Northeast, including Manipur. It also recalled his emphasis on integrity, honesty, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence.
KIN: The Kuki Inpi Nagaland (KIN) described Iralu as a legendary peace activist and “towering statesman” of Northeast India. It remembered his association with the Kuki community through his father, Dr Sevilie Iralu, and said he carried forward a spirit of Christian love, trust and fraternity throughout his life.
NNC/FGN: The Federal Government of Nagaland described Iralu as a rare voice of conscience and bridge-builder who devoted decades to reconciliation, particularly during periods of deep political division. It highlighted his non-partisan approach, candour and integrity, and said his contribution to bringing rival groups to dialogue was an important part of his legacy.
NSA: The Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) described Iralu as a revered elder, statesman and peace activist who worked beyond tribal divisions and devoted his life to peace, reconciliation and social healing. It said his life embodied hope, humanity and peace and would continue to inspire generations.
NSCN-K (Niki): The NSCN-K (Niki) mourned Iralu as a “towering personality” who devoted his life to peace, reconciliation and unity. It said his contributions to the Naga nation were immense and that his legacy would continue to guide coming generations.
NRSF, Shillong: The Naga Research Scholars’ Forum (NRSF), Shillong, described Iralu as a distinguished Naga thinker and advocate for peace, reconciliation and social harmony. The forum recalled his Pre-University education in Shillong and said his life demonstrated integrity, courage and responsibility, while encouraging scholars to continue engaging in reflection, inquiry and dialogue.
Peace Channel and NEISSR: Peace Channel and NEISSR remembered Iralu as a peace activist, philanthropist and reconciliation advocate whose wisdom and commitment strengthened their work to build a culture of peace. They also recalled that he received the Peace Channel Peace Award in 2021, describing their association with him as a bond of shared vision, friendship and hope.
Patkai: The Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) mourned Iralu as a former member of its Board of Trustees, where he served from 1996 to 2023. The college described him as an invaluable leader whose wisdom and deeply rooted Christian faith left an enduring mark on the institution and contributed to its growth and development.
Rengma Hoho: The Rengma Hoho described Iralu as an esteemed son of Khonoma, revered Naga elder, statesman and veteran peace activist. It remembered his commitment to peace, dialogue, reconciliation and healing, saying his wisdom, courage and humility had touched generations and that his voice for reconciliation would be deeply missed.
SCSU: The Sheanghah Chingnyu Students’ Union (recalled Iralu’s participation in its 2013 Golden Jubilee and his sharing on the theme “Marching towards Prosperity”. It said his wisdom and moral principles left a lasting impression on the students and described him as a prominent social worker and peace activist whose passing was a loss to the wider Naga community.
Sümi Hoho: The Sümi Hoho described Iralu as one of Nagaland’s most prominent peace activists and a respected voice for peace and reconciliation. It said his conviction, wisdom, courage and lifelong commitment to peace had left an enduring mark on Naga history.
TWUN: The Tenyimia Women Union Nagaland (TWUN) described Iralu as a revered Naga peace activist, social worker and tireless advocate for peace, reconciliation and justice. It highlighted his work in bridging divisions, rebuilding trust and encouraging dialogue, forgiveness and mutual understanding.
TNR: The Naga Rising (TNR) remembered Iralu as “a force for good in this broken world” and said his quiet humility and strong conviction for a better future had inspired its work. It recalled his advice to keep processes clean, do what is right and regularly pause to reflect on what society needs to discard and challenge.
TUD: The Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) mourned Iralu as a renowned peace activist, statesman and one of the tallest Naga leaders of his time. It highlighted his commitment to peace, reconciliation, justice and Naga unity, along with his wisdom, humility and service to society.
WC-NNPGs: N Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser of GPRN/NSCN and Convener of the Working Committee of NNPGs, described Iralu as an “intellectual giant” and a genuine peacemaker. He recalled Iralu’s deep knowledge of Naga history, politics, conflict and faith, as well as his work through the Forum for Naga Reconciliation. Zhimomi said Iralu’s humility, wisdom and advocacy of dialogue and trust-building had made a deep personal impact.
