DIMAPUR, AUG 18 (NPN): Tributes and condolences have poured in from across Nagaland following the demise of veteran Naga peace activist Niketu Iralu.
Gov: Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of respected Naga pacifist and peace activist Niketu Iralu.
The Governor recalled Iralu’s decades-long commitment to peace, non-violence and dialogue across political and ethnic divides, saying his contribution to the cause of Naga reconciliation and moral leadership would remain an enduring legacy.
Yadav extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and all those mourning his passing. He prayed for strength and solace for the bereaved and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
Speaker: Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer has expressed profound grief over the demise of revered Naga elder and peace activist Niketu Iralu.
In a condolence message, Longkumer said Iralu dedicated his life to the pursuit of peace, justice and dialogue. From his association with Initiatives of Change and international peace work to his leadership in the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Iralu remained committed to transforming conflict through truth, forgiveness and reconciliation, he said. The speaker said Iralu leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, courage, humility and service, adding that his contribution to the Naga peace and reconciliation process would be remembered with profound respect and gratitude.
Longkumer extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that they find strength and solace in his remarkable life and enduring legacy. He also prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
DyCM: Deputy chief minister Y. Patton has expressed grief over the demise of respected Naga peace activist, pacifist and social reformer Niketu Iralu.
Patton said Iralu’s passing was a loss of a dedicated voice for peace and reason. He said Iralu chose the path of non-violence, dialogue and mutual understanding, devoting his life to healing divisions, bringing people together and encouraging dialogue across communities. Patton noted that Iralu had devoted decades to peace efforts both in the region and abroad. His commitment to reconciliation and honest approach earned him respect across sections of society, as well as national and international recognition, Patton said.
Patton conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family, relatives and admirers and prayed for strength and comfort for them, and for the departed soul to rest in peace.
FNR: The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has mourned the passing of its former prominent member and peace activist Niketu Iralu, describing him as a rare moral personality and a champion of peace, reconciliation and healing.
In a condolence message issued by FNR, Wati Aier said Iralu’s unwavering commitment to justice and support for human rights causes had marked him out as a rare moral personality of his time.
FNR said Iralu’s life was dedicated to service of the people, truth and the vision of a reconciled community, adding that he regarded peace not as an abstract ideal but as a discipline nurtured through dialogue, humility and courage.
The forum said Iralu’s presence carried an assurance of godliness and inspired confidence and hope, while his legacy would endure in Naga history and in the conscience of those seeking peace and healing in divided societies.
“As we bid him good night, we acknowledge that his day of earthly labor is over,” Aier said, expressing hope in the Christian promise of reunion with the faithful.
FNR called on people to continue the journey of reconciliation that Iralu had championed and to walk the path with courage and faith.
NPF: Naga People’s Front (NPF) has mourned the passing of veteran Naga peace activist Niketu Iralu in New Delhi on Monday afternoon.
In a condolence message, the NPF described Iralu as a towering figure whose life was marked by compassion, courage and commitment to the Naga people. It said he was a prominent voice for peace and reconciliation and a core guiding force in the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).
NPF said Iralu dedicated himself to peace, healing and trust-building among the Nagas, using dialogue, forgiveness and moral clarity to bridge communities.
Describing his demise as a loss of one of the Naga society’s sincere torchbearers of peace, the NPF said his wisdom, humility and tireless service had inspired generations.
The party conveyed condolences to the bereaved family, friends and admirers and prayed for strength for the family to bear the loss. It said his legacy of peace and unity would continue to guide the Naga people.
NSF: Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has mourned the passing of Lt. Eno Niketu Iralu, describing him as a respected peace activist, visionary and steadfast leader of the Naga people. He passed away on August 18.
In a condolence message, NSF president Mteisuding and general secretary Kenilo Kent said Niketu Iralu dedicated his life to peace, justice, reconciliation and the dignity of the Naga people.
The NSF said his contribution to the Naga peace process and advocacy for dialogue and reconciliation would remain an important part of Naga history. It said his courage to speak for peace and belief in reconciliation had offered hope to generations.
The federation said his legacy of service, integrity and compassion would continue to inspire younger Nagas and joined the Naga people in paying tribute to his life and contributions.
NSF conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, relatives and friends, saying that while his journey had come to an end, his legacy of peace and service would endure.
WCH: Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Lt. Niketu Iralu, describing him as a respected Naga elder, veteran peace activist, scholar, thinker, writer and enduring voice for peace and reconciliation.
WCH said Iralu devoted his life to building bridges across divisions, promoting dialogue and encouraging forgiveness, compassion and mutual understanding. Through his writings, public engagement and advocacy, he encouraged the Naga people to seek healing through reconciliation, restitution and understanding.
Describing Iralu as “a gem of Naga society”, the hoho said his greatest legacy would remain in the lives he touched and the conversations he inspired on peace, dignity and collective responsibility.
WCH said his demise had left a deep void in the Naga peace movement and the wider moral and social life of Naga society, but his values of forgiveness, dialogue, trust and reconciliation would continue to guide future generations.
The hoho conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, colleagues and loved ones and prayed for God’s comfort, peace and strength for the family.
UCFNEI: United Christian Forum of North East India (UCFNEI) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of respected Naga peacebuilder, thinker and reconciliation advocate Niketu Iralu in Delhi on August 18. He was 89.
In a condolence statement, UCFNEI spokesperson, Allen Brooks described Iralu as a lifelong advocate of trust-building, dialogue and moral leadership who dedicated more than six decades to peace and reconciliation.
The forum said Iralu, fondly known as “Uncle Niketu”, was deeply influenced by his Christian faith and the principles of Initiatives of Change, formerly Moral Re-Armament. It said he consistently advocated personal honesty, forgiveness and reconciliation, while his peace work extended across the region and internationally.
UCFNEI said Iralu was a key figure in the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and, through the “House of Listening” shared with his wife Christine, embodied values of peacemaking, humility and hope.
The forum conveyed condolences to his wife, Christine Iralu, and the bereaved family, saying his life and commitment to reconciliation would continue to inspire churches and communities across Northeast India.
UCFNEI urged believers, church leaders and people of goodwill to honour his legacy by renewing their commitment to dialogue, justice and genuine peace.
KFN: Kripa Foundation Nagaland (KFN) has mourned the passing of veteran Naga peace activist and elder statesman Niketu Iralu, recalling his pioneering role in addressing drug addiction and recovery in Nagaland.
In a condolence message, KFN director Abou Mere said Iralu facilitated the partnership between Naga Mothers Association and Kripa Foundation in 1989, during his tenure as director of Moral Re-Armament at Asia Plateau.
Following the partnership, Kripa Foundation entered Nagaland at the request of NMA to address substance use disorders amid rampant drug addiction and severe social challenges. The following year, Nagaland’s first HIV case was detected among injecting drug users at the NMA-Kripa “Mount Gilead Home” Rehabilitation Centre at Zubza, Kohima.
Mere said Iralu’s leadership and the joint efforts of the NMA and Kripa Foundation helped reduce stigma and denial surrounding substance use and enabled people to access drug treatment and rehabilitation through a holistic approach addressing physical, mental, spiritual and emotional needs.
The foundation said Iralu would be remembered as a legendary Naga peace activist, social worker and elder statesman, describing him as a kind-hearted and humble person whose courage, soft-spoken nature and faith inspired many.
KFN conveyed condolences to his bereaved family and prayed for comfort and strength, saying his lifelong dedication to the Naga people made his passing an irreplaceable loss for Nagaland.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026