In a condolence message, the Senior Citizens Association Nagaland stated that the Association remembers Late Iralu with particular pride as a valued member of the Senior Citizens Association, Nagaland. On the International Day of Older Persons, October 1, 2019, he was honoured with the Senior Citizens Nagaland Award in recognition of his distinguished contribution and exemplary life of service.
The SCAN said the passing of Uncle Niketu Iralu is an irreplaceable loss not only to the Naga people but to all who valued his wisdom, humility and commitment to peace. He showed us that the wisdom of age, when joined with truth, compassion and humility, can become a powerful force for healing and reconciliation. We are particularly proud that he was a valued member of the Association and that we had the privilege of honouring his contribution with the Senior Citizens Nagaland Award in 2019.
The Association also acknowledges Lt. Iralu’s decades of work for Naga reconciliation, his association with the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, his role as Chair of the Naga Reconciliation Commission, and his lifelong association with Initiatives of Change. Through these engagements, he consistently encouraged personal transformation, dialogue, reconciliation and trust-building.
His home, Kerünyü Ki (House of Listening), which he shared with his wife Christine in Sechü-Zubza, became known as a place where people from different backgrounds could come together for dialogue, reflection and reconciliation.
The Senior Citizens Association, Nagaland extends its deepest condolences to Christine Iralu, his children and the entire bereaved Iralu family. We share in their sorrow and pray that God will grant them strength, comfort and peace at this time of profound loss, it added.
The Association joins the people of Nagaland in mourning the passing of a respected elder whose life of quiet service, wisdom and commitment to reconciliation will remain an enduring example for generations to come.
(DIPR)