Noted personality Kaka D Iralu passes away

Newmai News Network
DIMAPUR, Apr 10 : Writer, columnist and human rights activist, Kaka D Iralu passed away in Dimapur on Friday night in a hospital due to a personal ailment. He was 64.
Kaka D Iralu was known for his straight forward approach to things and was a prominent commentator on Naga political movement. He had attended several seminars and talks in different parts of the region.
His book, ‘Nagaland and India: The Blood and the Tears,’ was published in 2000 and on the book cover, the author wrote, “A historical account of the fifty-two years Indo-Naga war and the story of those who were never allowed to tell it”.
Meanwhile, many organizations have condoled the demise of Kaka D Iralu.
In its condolence message, the Naga Hoho said that Kaka Iralu was a prolific writer, a real Naga patriot, and historian and above all a very humble person. “He was a man with deep knowledge of Naga political history who has authored some iconic books like – Nagaland and India: The Blood and Tears; and The Naga Saga that have spread over the globe”, the Naga Hoho said. He was also a bold, outspoken man with genuine convictions who rendered selfless service to the Naga Nation till his last breath, the Naga body  said and added “True to his word, Kaka always believed in inalienable rights of the Nagas for sovereignty.”
The Naga Hoho further said that  during his life time, Kaka actively participated in various issues and contributed a lot towards strengthening the position of Naga Hoho for which “we are ever grateful”. It further said that Nagas throughout the length and breadth of Naga areas will always cherish his noble sacrifice and remember his deed in the annals of Naga history.  “Nagas have lost a true son of the soil and the vacuum created by him will be irreparable,” it added. Also expressing grief on the demise of Kaka D Iralu, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) said it “is shocked to learn of the sudden demise of Kaka D Iralu”. The NSCN-IM called him a man of strong integrity and commitment in voicing the Naga political movement. “Kaka Iralu exercised his intellectual power to defend the sovereign identity of the Naga Nation and stood his ground unwavered,” the NSCN-IM said while adding, “Notwithstanding our differences in political perspective, we respect his integrity in upholding the political struggle of the Nagas”.
“Our thought goes to his bereaved family members, and we express our deepest condolences. May our Almighty God bestow them the strength and comfort as they face this grief ! May Kaka D Iralu’s soul rest in peace in the hands of God!,” stated the NSCN-IM.
Also remembering Kaka Iralu, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) said it “stands shocked and unable to speak through the shadow of grief”.
The FNR said that the life of Kaka Iralu was an epic, a grand tale of uncompromising Naga spirit. The FNR also said that in a world of differing stances, “Kaka remains undisputed as a voice of Naga rights, the sturdiest of Nationalism, and the firmest of friends”.
According to the FNR, in his book, “Blood and Tears”, Kaka Iralu remains the voice of the voiceless and reminds the readers the humiliating and untold suffering of the Nagas, all because of loving one’s motherland. “Once again, Kaka, who as a child, was carried by his mother in the jungle when villages were burnt down, branded onto the consciousness of many the idea of being a Naga”, the FNR stated. The Forum then said that the record of Kaka Iralu as one of the champions of Naga Nationalism will remain an inspiration. Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) has also mourned the untimely demise of Kaka D Iralu. Late Kaka D Iralu was a well-known scholar and patriot who worked for the welfare of the downtrodden people not only in the Naga society but also for the entire North East, said a statement issued by the president of Zeliangrong Baudi. Saying that he was also a renowned author of many books, it continued that late Kaka stood for the cause of Nagas and liberation till his last breath.
It then prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.