Guwahati: Renowned Naga peace activist and statesman Niketu Iralu passed away at BLK Hospital in New Delhi, leaving behind a legacy of peace-building, reconciliation and social service spanning more than six decades.
Iralu, one of the most respected elders from Nagaland, was closely associated with efforts to promote peace, dialogue and reconciliation among Naga groups and communities across the Northeast.
Born at Khonoma in Nagaland, Iralu became involved in international peace and reconciliation work through Initiatives of Change, formerly known as Moral Re-Armament. He later served as Director of Asia Plateau, the organisation’s conference and training centre at Panchgani in Maharashtra.
After returning to Nagaland, he remained actively involved in community-level peace-building, moral leadership and non-violent conflict resolution. He worked extensively to bridge divisions among Naga political groups and promote dialogue among communities in the Northeast.
Iralu was a recipient of the 8th Upendra Nath Brahma Soldier of Humanity Award in 2011. He was also conferred the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Integration Award (Xomonnoy Bota) in 2023 for his contribution towards regional harmony.
In November 2025, Initiatives of Change International conferred its Lifetime Achiever Award on Iralu in recognition of his decades-long contribution to trust-building and unity in the region.
News of his death has evoked widespread grief across Nagaland and the Northeast, with political leaders, civil society organisations and peace advocates paying tributes to his contribution to peace and reconciliation.
In a condolence message, Gugu Haralu described Iralu as a Naga elder who devoted much of his life to peace, reconciliation, dialogue and healing among the Naga people.
She described him as a symbol of Naga unity and solidarity who consistently reminded people that their differences should not become greater than their common belonging as a people.
“Today, we have lost an elder, a peacemaker, and a voice of conscience,” Haralu said.
Iralu is survived by his wife, Christine Iralu, and other family members.
Funeral arrangements and details of a public memorial are expected to be announced by the family.