Nagaland has mourned the passing of veteran Naga peace activist, pacifist, educator, writer and social reformer Niketu Iralu, who passed away in New Delhi on August 18.
Tributes poured in from political leaders, civil society organisations and the Naga Students’ Federation, with mourners remembering Iralu as a tireless advocate of peace, reconciliation, dialogue and non-violence whose decades of service left a lasting imprint on Naga society.
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton described Iralu as a “dedicated voice of peace and reason”, saying he chose the path of non-violence, dialogue and mutual understanding and devoted his life to healing divisions and bringing people and communities together.
Patton said Iralu’s honest approach and lifelong commitment to reconciliation earned him respect across sections of society, as well as national and international recognition. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved family, relatives and admirers and prayed for strength and comfort for the family.
Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang described Iralu as a “towering figure” who dedicated his life to building bridges, fostering understanding and guiding the people towards peace, particularly through the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).
“His wisdom, humility and unwavering commitment to peace and reconciliation will remain etched in the history of Nagaland,” Zeliang said, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the Naga people.
The Naga People’s Front (NPF) also expressed deep sorrow, describing Iralu as a veteran peace activist whose life embodied compassion, courage and an unwavering commitment to the Naga people.
The NPF said Iralu was a prominent voice for peace and reconciliation and a core guiding force in the FNR. Through dialogue, forgiveness and moral clarity, he became “a voice of reason and a bridge between communities”, the party said.
According to the NPF, his wisdom, humility and tireless service inspired generations, while his death has left a profound vacuum in Naga society.
The Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) mourned Iralu as a respected Naga elder, scholar, thinker, writer, social reformer and one of the enduring voices for peace and reconciliation.
The Hoho said Iralu devoted his life to building bridges where there were divisions, encouraging dialogue where there was distrust and reminding society of the importance of forgiveness, compassion and understanding.
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“He was truly a gem of Naga society,” the WCH said, adding that his greatest legacy would remain in the lives he touched and the conversations he inspired on peace, dignity and shared responsibility.
The Hoho said his passing had created a deep void not only in the Naga peace movement but also in the wider moral and social life of Naga society. It expressed the hope that the values he championed—forgiveness, dialogue, trust and reconciliation—would continue to guide future generations.
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) also paid its deepest tribute to Iralu, describing him as a respected peace activist, visionary and steadfast leader of the Naga people.
The Federation said Iralu dedicated his life to peace, justice, reconciliation and the dignity of the Naga people, standing as a voice of conscience and hope through decades of service.
The NSF particularly highlighted his contribution to the Naga peace process and his advocacy for dialogue, understanding and reconciliation during periods of deep division and uncertainty.
For younger Nagas, the Federation said, Iralu leaves behind a legacy of service, integrity, compassion and responsibility, demonstrating that true leadership is measured not by position or power but by the willingness to serve and work for the greater good.
The Federation joined the Naga people in paying tribute to a life devoted to the service of the people, saying that although Iralu had departed, the values he upheld and the peace he tirelessly pursued would continue to inspire generations.
Across the condolence messages, a common theme emerged: Iralu’s legacy transcends his individual contributions and is rooted in his lifelong effort to build peace, heal divisions and foster reconciliation among the Nagas.
The organisations and leaders extended condolences to his family, relatives, friends, colleagues and admirers and prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family and eternal rest for the departed soul.
