Press Release*
The Rengma Students' Union (RSU) celebrated the 74th Naga Independence Day on 14 August '20 at the historic site, Parashen, the place where the Naga National Flag of the then newly formed Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) was first hoisted on March 22, 1956. 

The program, chaired by Heiko Kent, President RSU, opened with a Bible passage and prayer followed by the unfurling of the Naga National Flag.

Speaking on the occasion Kenneth Kath, President RSZ, in his solidarity message, riterated that the Rengmas always remained steadfast in the political history of the Nagas and will continue to press forward until the aspiration of the Naga people is realised. He called upon the international community to acknowledge and honour "our unique identity, our rights, our rich tradition and cultural practices and of our very existence as a free people," while urging for unity among the various stakeholders and the Naga people in general.

Kegwayhun Tep, Secy Education NSF, also delivered a solidarity message on the occasion. Paying his homage and respect in memory of all those who have died, K Tep added that the younger generation shall remain indebted for the sacrifices made by the men and women who gave up their lives for the identity and sovereignty of the Naga people. He further added that the occasion calls for "each one of us to reflect back on all the past leaders and martyrs on whose sacrifices we now stand today", while also extending solidarity to "the Nationalists at present who have dedicated their lives in pursuing the aspirations of the Naga people".

Words of Gratitude was delivered by Kegwalo Magh, General Secy RSU, followed by the concluding remark before the program ended.
The program was attended by officials from NSF, RSU, RSZ and students and well-wishers from the Rengma community.

It may be noted that with the adoption of the Naga constitution/Yehzabo by the NNC on January 14, 1956, the plan for hoisting of the Naga National Flag soon came into being, thus Ciethu near Chiephobozo under Kohima district was chosen but the Indian Army foiled the attempt and consequently AZ Phizo along with his comrades, notably Whenha Rengma, decided to hoist the First Naga Independent flag at Parashen on 22nd March 1956. It was at Parashen on March 22, 1956, that the first Tatar Hoho was held where the NNC, representing Naga Hills District and the Hongking Government, representing the free Nagas, merged into a single entity under the nomenclature, Federal Republic of Nagaland and in addition established the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN). Following this development, the Naga Safeguard was changed into Naga Home Guard with General Thungdi Chang as the Commander-in-Chief. It was Gen. Thungdi Chang who hoisted the first Naga National Flag at Parashen on March 22, 1956 in the presence of AZ Phizo and other Naga patriots.