CHEDEMA, India (AP) — In a small mountain village in northeastern India, blue flags fly high in the clear sky. While Indians across the country ready to celebrate 75 years of independence from British rule on Monday, the Naga community in Chedema marked the occasion by hoisting their own blue flag.
The Nagas — an indigenous people who inhabit several northeastern Indian states and regions across the border in Myanmar — celebrated the 75th anniversary of their declaration of independence on Sunday. Seeking self-rule, Nagas had declared their independence a day before India in 1947 and celebrate this moment every year.
The Naga insurgency is the longest running in South Asia. But the largest armed Naga faction, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), has been in a 25-year ceasefire with the Indian government as peace talks have reached an impasse over the issue of using the Naga flag and constitution.
Thousands gathered on Sunday for the event organized by the Naga National Council, the community's parent political organization. Infants slept on their mothers' backs, while young boys and girls helped prepare the celebration that followed the hoisting of the blue Naga flag. About a hundred combat veterans, who laid down their arms after the first cease-fire in 1964, attended the event in their uniforms.
Riivosielie Chakriinuo, the oldest surviving Naga army general, wore a medal for his service and smiled as he recalled the 1964 ceasefire, saying it brought peace to the land.
“I served the gun. Now I serve God,” he said.
Vilazoü Suokhrie, 87, said she was very happy to see so many people gather to commemorate the Naga community's declaration of independence.
While the declaration has never been contested by India, Nagaland and other northeastern states remain part of the country despite years of self-rule insurgent efforts. Nagas preserve their identity and history through the annual event.
“When the British left, we expressed our desire to be free,” said Adinno Phizo, 90, who is the chairman of the NNC.
More than 90% of Nagaland state's more than 1.9 million people are Christians – a striking contrast in a Hindu-majority country. For decades, the Nagas have fought a battle for independence from India, and there are few families that have not suffered from the violence.
In recent years, violence has subsided, but demands for civil rights have risen even as the federal government has pushed for talks with separatists.
