Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUG 20 (NPN): Noted peace activist, social worker and moral leader Niketu Iralu, who passed away in New Delhi on August 18 following a brief illness, was laid to rest at his residence, Kerünyü Ki, Sechü Zubza, on Thursday. He was 91.
The funeral service was held at Spicer Hall, Shalom Bible Seminary, Sechü Zubza, attended by family members, friends, community leaders, church representatives and well-wishers.
State chief minister Neiphiu Rio, in his eulogy, described Niketu Iralu as a “remarkable Naga”, one of Nagaland’s finest minds and a tireless advocate of peace, reconciliation and service. He said Iralu’s passing was a profound loss not only to the Naga people but also to people across the world who knew and valued him.
Rio said Iralu’s association with Moral Re-Armament (MRA), now Initiatives of Change (IofC), reflected his lifelong commitment to building trust, dialogue and understanding across divides.
His work, Rio said, was guided by a belief in dialogue over confrontation and reconciliation over conflict.
Highlighting Iralu’s contribution to tackling drug and alcohol addiction, Rio recalled his efforts to connect KRIPA Foundation, Mumbai, with the Naga Mothers’ Association, leading to the establishment of Mount Gilead Home at Sechü Zubza, where Iralu served as its first director and counsellor. This, he said, reflected Iralu’s broader understanding that peace also meant restoring lives, healing families and restoring hope and dignity.
Rio said Iralu’s humility, generosity and selfless service made him an example to generations. Recalling their personal association, he described Iralu as an elder whose advice and perspective he often sought. Their families’ connection through marriage, he said, made the relationship particularly special. He recalled their last meeting in Kohima on February 8, 2026.
Describing Iralu’s death as both a personal and societal loss, Rio said the best way to honour his memory was to follow the values he lived by—to listen, understand, forgive and work for peace.
On behalf of the State Government and his colleagues, Rio conveyed condolences to Iralu’s wife Christine, son Kevipulie and the bereaved family, and prayed for strength and comfort during their time of grief.
In her eulogy, wife of late Niketu, Christine Iralu thanked family, friends and the people of Sechü Zubza for their overwhelming support following Iralu’s death. She particularly acknowledged the community for cooking, serving, cleaning and singing through the night before the funeral.
Recalling their life together, Christine said Iralu had spent about 50 years away from Nagaland, studying and working with MRA and IofC in different parts of India and abroad, but had never forgotten that he was a Naga.
She said their return to Nagaland eventually led to the establishment of Kerünyü Ki, which was built through the generosity of Naga friends and the worldwide IofC community. She said they regarded themselves not as owners but as caretakers of a home that belonged to everyone.
Christine remembered Iralu for his humour, love for people and compassion, describing him as her role model. Recalling one of his final messages during his illness in Delhi, she said he told her that “Nagas must learn to love one another, learn to forgive one another,” believing this would open the door to endless possibilities.
Iralu’s son Kevipulie, in his eulogy, recalled his childhood memories with his father in Panchgani, Maharashtra, including hiking, fishing and walking together. He also remembered Iralu’s love for conservation and his deep appreciation for nature.
Recalling his father’s final days in Delhi, Kevipulie said that although Iralu had become too weak to speak, he told him that he had left a lasting legacy and that he was proud to call him his father. He said Iralu acknowledged his love for Christine and shed a tear.
Kevipulie said he read one of his father’s favourite biblical passages to him on the morning of his death, reflecting the values that had guided Iralu throughout his life—listening to God and allowing God to guide him.
He said his father’s love for Jesus and truth, his encounter with MRA and IofC, and his love for his family and the Naga people had deeply shaped his life and journey.
At 91, Kevipulie said, the family remained grateful to God for Iralu’s life and the time granted to him, adding that while saying the final goodbye was difficult, the impact of his life and the love he shared would remain.
Eulogies were also shared by Iralu’s sister Sano Vamuzo and relative Visier Sanyü.
Tributes were also shared by representatives of the Angami Public Organisation, Angami Gazetted Officers Krotho, Khonoma Rüffüno, Khonoma Public Commission, Initiatives of Change, Sechü Zubza Baptist Church, Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, Forum for Naga Reconciliation and Nagaland Club, among others.
The funeral programme was led by Rev. Rachülie Vihienuo, while Rev. Zhabu Terhüja, president of the Angami Baptist Church Council, served as minister. Scripture reading and invocation were led by Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, general secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council.
Songs were presented by the Sechü Zubza Baptist Khriesarüü Krotho and members of the family of late Niketu Iralu.