Gauravdewasi at 10:08, 8 May 2026

2026-05-08T10:08:57Z

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{{short description|Flag of the Naga people}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox flag
| Name = Flag of Nagaland
| Image = Unofficial flag of Nagaland.svg
| Use = Cultural events, insurgent groups
| Noborder =
| Proportion = 2:3
| Adoption = {{start date and age|1956}}
| Design = Sky blue flag with a white [[star of Bethlehem]] and a rainbow in simplified colors.
}}
[[File:NNC President Adino arrive and mouners laid wreaths at kevelevor's mortals remain--.jpg|thumb|260px|The flag of Nagaland draped over the mortal remains of Kevilevor Phizo, [[Zapu Phizo]]'s son on 28 April 2013 in [[Kohima]].]]
The '''Flag of Nagaland''' is the flag used to represent the [[Naga people]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Roy |first=Esha |date=2 November 2019 |title=Explained: History of Naga flag and how significant it has been earlier and now |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history-of-naga-flag-and-why-is-it-important-6098576/ |access-date=27 December 2025 |work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> Currently it does not have official status in any area where the Nagas live, but it is allowed at cultural events.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roy |first=Esha |date=1 November 2019 |title=Talks for Naga Accord: NSCN I-M returns to table, claims it can use flag at cultural events |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/talks-for-naga-accord-nscn-i-m-returns-to-table-claims-it-can-use-flag-at-cultural-events-6097051/ |access-date=27 December 2025 |work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref>

The color of the flag is [[medium sky blue]] which symbolizes the sky. A rainbow arch section, simplified to red, yellow and green, runs across the centre. In the upper corner, next to the staff, there is a white [[Star of Bethlehem]]. Both symbols represent [[Christianity]], the faith and identity of the majority of the Naga people.<ref>{{Cite news |last=C.K. |first=Faisal |date=7 March 2022 |title=Flagging a concern |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/flagging-a-concern/cid/1854808 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241231050255/https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/flagging-a-concern/cid/1854808 |archive-date=2024-12-31 |access-date=2025-12-27 |language=en}}</ref>

==History==
The flag was flown for the first time in the [[Rengma Naga|Parashen-Rengma]] area of [[Nagaland]] on 22 March 1956 by the [[Naga National Council]], led by [[Zapu Phizo]]. It was adopted as a symbol of [[Naga nationalism]] and has been used by insurgent groups seeking self-determination for over seven decades.<ref name="ME">{{Cite web |last=Chakhesang |first=Jack T. |date=7 April 2022 |title=Of Naga Sovereignty, Yehzabo and Flag |url=https://morungexpress.com/of-naga-sovereignty-yehzabo-and-flag |access-date=8 May 2026 |website=Morung Express}}</ref>

The Naga flag holds deep historical and spiritual significance for the Naga people, symbolizing their identity, resilience, and aspirations for self-determination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Naga Flag and Constitution is our Identity |url=https://morungexpress.com/naga-flag-and-constitution-our-identity |access-date=9 February 2025 |website=Morung Express|date=14 October 2019|last=Pou|first=RB Thohe}}</ref> According to historical accounts, the flag's design was inspired by a divine revelation, as a rainbow appeared over the [[Naga Club]] building during its consecration, signifying peace with God. The rainbow, enshrined in the flag's design, represents divine approval, unity, and the hope for an independent Naga nation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Flag, a Story and a Nation |url=https://humanitiesacrossborders.org/stories-toolkit/flag-story-and-nation |access-date=9 February 2025 |website=Humanities Across Borders|date=5 January 2021|last=Mahanta|first=Dhritimoni}}</ref> Rooted in the struggles and sacrifices of the Nagas, the flag embodies their desire for sovereignty, as reinforced by [[Mahatma Gandhi]]’s recognition of their right to independence. It serves as a reminder of the Naga people's historical assertion of self-rule, their cultural and racial distinctiveness, and their ongoing struggle against political subjugation. Observing Naga Independence Day on August 14th, a day before India's independence, further solidifies the flag’s role as a symbol of resistance, faith, and the enduring spirit of the Naga nation.<ref name=":0" />

Following the [[Naga Peace Accord]] that sought to end the long insurgency, the Naga representatives formally requested an official status for the flag, as well as a separate Constitution (Yehzabo) for the Naga people. However, so far the Indian government representatives have remained adamant on the issue, refusing to grant a co-official status to the flag such as the one that was granted between 1952 and 2019 to the [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|state of Jammu and Kashmir]] under [[Article 370 of the Constitution of India|Article 370]] of the [[Constitution of India]]. Hence the Naga flag issue has stalled the peace process.<ref name="NDTV">{{Cite news |last=Choudhury |first=Ratnadip |date=14 August 2022 |title=Amid Massive 'Tiranga' Drive, Naga Flag Hoisted In Parts Of Nagaland, Manipur |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amid-massive-tiranga-drive-naga-flag-hoisted-in-parts-of-nagaland-manipur-3254491 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250613145022/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amid-massive-tiranga-drive-naga-flag-hoisted-in-parts-of-nagaland-manipur-3254491 |archive-date=2025-06-13 |access-date=2025-12-27 |work=[[NDTV]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Yhoshü |first=Alice |date=14 August 2023 |title=Ahead of Naga peace talks, NCN-IM reiterates demand for flag, constitution |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/nscnim-asserts-naga-sovereignty-ahead-of-peace-talks-flags-and-constitution-remain-key-components-101692019780675.html |access-date=27 December 2025 |work=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>

== Bibliography ==
* [https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/review-kuknalim-naga-armed-resistance-by-nandita-haksar-and-sebastian-m-hongray/story-wsPNXICSoIsz9p5QI8XZDM.html Nandita Haksar, Sebastian M. Hongray. ''Kuknalim, Naga Armed Resistance: Testimonies Of Leaders, Pastors, Healers And Soldiers.'' Speaking Tiger Publishing Pvt. Ltd., 2019, ISBN 9388874935 (epub:978-93-88874-92-2)]

== See also ==
* [[Emblem of Nagaland]]
* [[Flag of Jammu and Kashmir]]
* [[Kuknalim]]
* [[Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Commonscat inline}}
*[https://www.morungexpress.com/last-surviving-weaver-of-first-naga-flag-no-more#google_vignette Last surviving weaver of first Naga Flag no more]
*[http://www.thenagarepublic.com/news/govt-of-india-has-recognized-the-naga-national-flag/ Govt of India has recognized the Naga national flag]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Flag of the Naga people}}
[[Category:Naga people]]
[[Category:Star of Bethlehem]]
[[Category:Flags introduced in 1956|Nagaland]]
[[Category:Flags of indigenous peoples|Naga]]
[[Category:Symbols of Nagaland]]

Flag of Nagaland - Revision history

Gauravdewasi at 10:08, 8 May 2026