UKHRUL, August 20, 2026: Prominent Naga peace activist and reconciliation advocate Dr. Niketu Iralu, fondly remembered as “Uncle Niketu,” passed away in New Delhi on August 18, drawing messages of condolence from Naga political and civil society organisations.
The United Naga Council (UNC) mourned his passing, describing Iralu as a “towering peace activist” and one of the region’s significant moral voices. In its condolence message issued on August 19, the UNC said his life was dedicated to courage, forgiveness, reconciliation and transforming society through changes beginning in the human heart.
The council recalled his longstanding contribution to the Naga reconciliation process, particularly through the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, the Naga Reconciliation Committee and the Naga National Reconciliation Commission. It said his message of looking beyond grievances and acknowledging one’s own role in conflict remained central to the Naga peace journey.
The UNC also noted that Iralu had been recognised with the IofC International Lifetime Achiever Award 2025, the UN Brahma Soldier of Humanity Award and the Gopinath Bordoloi Award. Despite the recognition, he remained committed to a simple life and service to the people, the council said.
Meanwhile, Th. Muivah, Ato Kilonser of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim, also expressed deep sorrow over Iralu’s death. In his condolence message dated August 19, Muivah described Iralu as a man whose life was marked by peace, dialogue, humility and selfless service to the Naga people.
Muivah highlighted Iralu’s role in promoting understanding over confrontation and dialogue over division, saying his honesty, gracious conduct and commitment to bringing people together earned him the stature of a statesman and patriot.
The GPRN message also recalled Iralu’s association with the 2nd Naga Consultative Meeting on strengthening the peace process, held in Bangkok in 2002, and his role in working with Naga civil society groups in carrying forward the Indo-Naga peace dialogue.
“His exceptional roles in reconciling people and political groups through various civil society bodies and forums can never be ignored,” the message stated, noting that his contributions would remain etched in Naga history.
Both the UNC and the GPRN conveyed condolences to Iralu’s bereaved family, friends, colleagues and those who were touched by his work.
With his passing, the Naga people have lost a respected advocate of peace and reconciliation whose decades-long efforts sought to bridge divisions and nurture a shared vision of a peaceful and united Naga society.
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