Naga peace activist Niketu Iralu passes away at 91

Niketu Iralu, a revered Naga activist who devoted over six decades to advocating peace and ethnic harmony in the Northeast, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91 in a hospital in New Delhi. Born in Sechü Zubza, Kohima district, Nagaland, Iralu spent over six decades working for Initiatives of Change (formerly Moral Re-Armament), with a focus on personal growth and dialogue.

Upon hearing of his demise, leaders across Nagaland expressed their deep sorrow. Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang described Iralu as a "towering figure" whose wisdom and commitment to reconciliation would remain etched in Nagaland's history. He hailed him as a pillar of peace and compassion, noting that his passing is a monumental loss to the Naga people.

Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton and Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak also paid their respects, praising Iralu for his unwavering dedication to fostering dialogue and understanding. They emphasized that his life's work brought people together through compassionate listening, and his absence leaves a significant void in the Naga community and among those who valued his guidance and wisdom.