Kohima: Prominent peace activist Niketu Iralu died in New Delhi on Tuesday.
As per reports, the nonagenarian had been undergoing treatment at BLK Hospital in New Delhi.
For decades, Iralu worked to encourage dialogue between communities and political groups and remained closely associated with efforts to address divisions within Naga society. He played a key role in the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and served as chairperson of the Naga Reconciliation Commission.
Iralu’s contribution to peace and reconciliation was recognised through several awards over the years. In November 2025, he was presented with the IofC Lifetime Achiever Award for his long association with the organisation and his work in peace-building.
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He received the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Integration Award in 2023 for his contribution to social and cultural integration and harmony in Northeast India. Earlier, in 2019, the Nagaland government’s Department of Social Welfare honoured him with the Distinguished Senior Citizens Award.
He was also a recipient of the Rotary Peace Award in 2018, recognising his efforts to foster trust and understanding across communities and borders.
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