NEW DELHI – Calls to boycott India’s Independence Day celebrations reportedly spread across parts of the Northeast, with separatist and nationalist organizations in Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh urging people to stay away from official August 15 events.
A report by Kashmir Media House said Kashmiris, Sikhs and sections of the population in northeastern states have also distanced themselves from celebrations in protest against Indian policies, while black flags were reportedly displayed at some locations.
Nagaland observes its own “Independence Day”
In Nagaland, nationalist groups reportedly observed August 14 as the 80th “Independence Day.” Videos allegedly showing Naga youths burning the Indian flag were also circulated on social media, although the footage could not be independently verified.
Naga National Council has maintained that it declared an independent Nagaland on August 14, 1947. Naga nationalist groups continue to argue that the incorporation of Naga territories into India remains disputed and unacceptable.
ULFA (Independent) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) also reportedly called for a boycott of official Indian Independence Day celebrations.
Naga nationalist organizations have described the August 15 celebrations as a symbol of Indian domination and what they regard as the denial of the region’s right to self-determination. Naga leaders have reiterated that there will be no compromise on autonomy, a separate national flag and a separate constitution.
Shutdown in Manipur
In Manipur, the Socialist Revolutionary Party reportedly called for a 12-hour general strike from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. The six organizations affiliated with the Coordinating Committee (CorCom) also reportedly announced a complete shutdown. The Alliance for Socialist Unity, Kangleipak and the Naga Students’ Association were among groups reported to have called for a shutdown, with black flags allegedly displayed at some locations.
Assam, Arunachal Pradesh Situation
Security measures were reportedly intensified in sensitive areas of Arunachal Pradesh amid concerns over possible protest and resistance-related activities.
In Upper Assam, security was also tightened around sensitive installations and government facilities following boycott calls, according to the report.
Naga nationalist leaders continue to cite the 1951 plebiscite as evidence of popular support for self-determination. They claim that an overwhelming majority of the local population voted in favor of remaining outside India.
The historical interpretation and political significance of the 1951 exercise, however, remain contested.
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