The “Naga national flag”

GUWAHATI: In a strong assertion for the recognition of the " Naga national flag ", the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has asked all its units to hoist the flag on August 14, celebrated every year as Naga Independence Day . For the first time, the move has been endorsed by the Naga National Council (NNC), the torch-bearer of Naga separatist movement.

"Nagas have been observing independence day on August 14 since 1947. This time, it is significant because the Naga solution is near," NSF education secretary Kegwahun Tep told TOI. All NSF units and subordinate bodies have been asked to hoist the Naga flag at their headquarters to mark the 73rd Naga Independence Day, following a resolution adopted on July 30.

"Jubilant to learn that the Naga Students Federation (NSF) is going to commemorate the 73rd Naga Independence Day on 14th August, 2019 at Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima from 11 am onwards by hoisting the Naga National Flag. This is a just and wise decision to take at this crucial juncture," an NNC/FGN statement said.

The "original" Naga flag had been hoisted at Parashen in Rengma for the first time on March 22, 1956. It is emblazoned with a rainbow and a six-point star on a blue background.

In 1947, president of the Naga National Council (NNC), Angami Zapu Phizo, had declared independence for the Nagas a day before British rule over India ended. Since then, the Naga Hills have been in turmoil. India created the state of Nagaland in 1963.

Phizo had in 1983 written to the NSF, saying, "The future of our country belongs to the youth. I have no doubt that our youth will respond the challenge of defending the country ... Because of its size, a big country does not have the right to invade a small country. I am absolutely certain that we shall win because the right is on our side."

Since the beginning of this week, concern had risen over the status of Naga talks and demands at the centre of the Naga peace process after Jammu & Kashmir was stripped of special status and statehood, guaranteed under Article 370. It also lost its state flag and constitution - both things that Naga outfits engaged in negotiations with the Centre have been demanding. Nagaland enjoys special status under Article 371A.

