Manipur News

Before laying Niketu Iralu to rest, a heartfelt wreath-laying ceremony was held at Spicer Hall, Shalom Bible Seminary in Sechü Zubza, near Kohima on Thursday, August 20. The veteran peace activist and champion of reconciliation was remembered by an assembly of grieving family, community figures, and friends, all of whom came to salute his lifelong dedication to peace and reconciliation in Nagaland and the Northeast.

HOMAGE TO NIKETU IRALU

The finest minds of our generation in the Northeast: Arambam Somorendra Memorial Trust, Manipur

“It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of personal loss that we learnt about the passing of Niketu Iralu, a towering figure of peace, reconciliation, and statesmanship from Nagaland. He passed away on August 18, 2026, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate across the Northeastern region of India and beyond.

My name is Arambam Lokendra, and as the President of the Arambam Somorendra Memorial Trust, I had the privilege of knowing Niketu as a brother and a friend. I, alongside the members of my organisation, deeply mourn the departure of this great soul. He was, without a doubt, one of the finest minds of our generation in the Northeast.

My most cherished memories of Niketu take me back to the 1950s, when we were both students at Madras Christian College. Though he was two years my senior, his warmth and wisdom made him an instant friend. It was during this time that I witnessed his early commitment to service as he joined the Moral Re-Armament (MRA) movement, which later evolved into the globally recognised Initiatives of Change (IofC)—a wonderful institution dedicated to peacebuilding.

The bonds of friendship were deepened by a remarkable coincidence. Niketu shared the same birthday and year with my elder brother, the late Arambam Somorendra, a revered poet, literary figure, and cultural activist in Manipur. This synchronicity drew us closer and led to a memorable occasion in 2009. I had the honour of inviting Niketu and his associates to Manipur, where he delivered the memorial lecture in honour of my late brother on June 10, 2009. It was a moment of great pride and profound connection for my family, the Trust and the people of Manipur.

The news of his passing has left me truly saddened. Niketu Iralu was more than just a leader; he was a beacon of hope, a reconciler, and a tireless advocate for peace in a region that has often been scarred by conflict. His gentle yet firm spirit, his moral clarity, and his unwavering commitment to dialogue and understanding have left an indelible mark on all who had the fortune to know him.

As we bid farewell, we take solace in our faith. We pray to God, trusting that the Lord Jesus will kindly welcome him and further guide him in heaven. Niketu’s journey on earth is complete, but his spirit and his life’s work will forever inspire us.

On behalf of the Arambam Somorendra Memorial Trust, I offer my deepest condolences to his bereaved family, especially to sister Christine, and to all the good friends and colleagues who mourn his loss. May we honour his memory by continuing the work of peace and reconciliation he so dearly championed.

Rest in peace, dear friend.”

Arambam Lokendra

President, Arambam Somorendra Memorial Trust, Imphal.

(An ailing Arambam Lokendra (Historian, Cultural Activist, Theatre Director and Public Intellectual spoke to The Frontier Manipur on August 20, 2026 at his residence after a brief condolence meeting  with a few friends)

 

The post Niketu Iralu, the finest minds of our generation: Arambam Somorendra Memorial Trust, Manipur mourns demise of the peacebuilder first appeared on The Frontier Manipur.

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