Veteran Naga peace activist and reconciliation advocate Niketu Iralu was laid to rest at Kerünyü Ki, Sechü Zubza in Nagaland on Thursday following a funeral service attended by family members, church leaders, civil society representatives, colleagues and well-wishers.
Iralu, who passed away in New Delhi on August 18 at the age of 91, was remembered for his decades-long commitment to peace, reconciliation, dialogue and service to society.
The funeral service was held at Spicer Hall, Shalom Bible Seminary, Sechü Zubza, beginning at noon. Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, General Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, led the welcome, Scripture reading and invocation.
Musical presentations were offered by the Sechü Zubza Baptist Khriesarüü Krotho and members of the Iralu family.
Tributes were also offered by representatives of the Angami Public Organization, Angami Gazetted Officers’ Krotho, Khonoma Rüffüno, Khonoma Public Commission, Initiatives of Change, Sechü Zubza Baptist Church and the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum.
The committal service was held at Kerünyü Ki, Iralu’s residence, also known as the House of Listening. Eulogies were delivered by Christine Iralu, Kevi Pulie Iralu, Sano Vamuzo, Dr. Visier Sanyü and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
The service concluded with the laying of wreaths, followed by a sermon and prayer led by Rev. Zhabu Terhüja, President of the Angami Baptist Church Council.
Rio remembers Iralu as a man of peace and integrity
In his eulogy, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described Iralu as “one of Naga’s finest minds” and an intellectual, mentor and committed advocate of peace and reconciliation.
Rio said Iralu’s death was a deep loss not only to his family and the Naga people but also to people around the world who had known and valued his work.
He recalled Iralu’s lifelong commitment to dialogue, understanding and justice, saying he believed in dialogue over confrontation and in building bridges across divides.
According to Rio, Iralu’s association with Moral Re-Armament, now known as Initiatives of Change, reflected his long-standing commitment to building trust, reconciliation and understanding.
Rio also recalled Iralu’s concern over drug and alcohol addiction among Naga youth and his role in efforts that led to the establishment of Mangalit Home, where he served as its first director and consultant.
The Chief Minister said Iralu understood peace not simply as the absence of conflict but also as restoring lives, healing families and helping people regain hope and dignity.
Recalling his personal relationship with Iralu, Rio described him as an elder whose advice and perspective he often sought.
Rio recalled that their last meeting took place on July 8, when a gathering of intellectuals, senior citizens and concerned leaders was held at his initiative after Iralu’s residence was unavailable due to renovation.
He also recalled visiting Iralu shortly before his departure for Delhi for a medical check-up, describing their final meeting as a cherished memory.
“His passing is a personal loss for me, and a great loss to our whole society,” Rio said.
Urging people to carry forward Iralu’s values, Rio said the best way to honour his memory was to listen, understand, forgive and work for reconciliation and peace.
The funeral brought together people from different sections of society to bid farewell to a Naga leader whose life was dedicated to peace, reconciliation and service.
Rio conveyed condolences on behalf of the state government and prayed for strength and comfort for Iralu’s wife, children and family, while expressing hope that his legacy would continue to inspire a more peaceful, compassionate and reconciled society.
