UKHRUL: Ato Kilonser of the NSCN/GPRN, Th. Muivah, and the Naga Peoples’ Initiative for Peace (NPIP) have mourned the passing of veteran Naga peace activist Dr. Niketu Iralu, remembering him as a tireless advocate of peace, reconciliation and dialogue.
Dr. Iralu, who hailed from Khonoma village, passed away in New Delhi on August 18.
In a condolence message issued in his personal capacity, Th. Muivah said he was “deeply pained and shocked” by the passing of his dear friend, describing Dr. Iralu’s life as a testament to peace, dialogue, humility and selfless service to the Naga people.
Remembering him as calm, cheerful and wise, Muivah said Dr. Iralu consistently chose understanding over confrontation and dialogue over division, working tirelessly to bring people together and promote the greater good.
He said Dr. Iralu’s honesty, gracious conduct and unwavering commitment had earned him the stature of a true statesman and patriot, adding that his legacy extended beyond the causes he championed.
“His greatest legacy lies not only in the causes he championed, but also in the example he set: leading with conviction without arrogance, disagreeing without hostility, and serving with humility without seeking recognition,” Muivah said.
Recalling Dr. Iralu’s role in the Naga peace process, Muivah noted that he was a signatory to the Second Naga Consultative Meeting on strengthening the peace process, held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2002, involving Naga civil society organisations in efforts to carry forward the Indo-Naga peace talks.
His role in reconciling people and political groups through various civil society bodies and forums, he said, would remain etched in Naga history.
Muivah also recalled the legacy of Khonoma village, known for its historic resistance against British colonial forces, and said Dr. Iralu’s life and contributions remained a source of pride and inspiration for the Angami and Naga people.
Meanwhile, the NPIP, in its condolence message addressed to Dr. Iralu’s wife, Christine Iralu, and the bereaved family, described him as a veteran peace activist and former member of Initiatives of Change.
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The NPIP said Dr. Iralu devoted his life to the cause of peace, reconciliation, non-violence and human dignity, and that his wisdom, courage and unwavering commitment had made a lasting contribution to the Naga people and the wider peace community.
His life and work, it said, would remain an enduring source of inspiration to those who knew him and to generations to come.
Calling his death a profound loss to the Naga people and to all those committed to the pursuit of peace and reconciliation, the NPIP expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for strength, comfort and peace during their time of grief.
Both Muivah and the NPIP said Dr. Niketu Iralu’s legacy of peace, reconciliation and human dignity would continue to inspire generations to come.
