Dantewada (Chhattisgarh): As the nation celebrated the 74th Independence day, a tiny village in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district too joined in by hoisting the tricolour - albeit for the first time in 20 years.
For years, the Naxals have boycotted Independence Day celebrations in the interior villages of Chhattisgarh and used to hoist black flags instead.
Marjum village in Katekalyan block was also among those villages where the Naxals used to put up black flags.
This year, however, around 300 villagers from Marjum and nearby areas braved the rain to celebrate Independence Day. Security forces, including women commandos, hoisted the tricolour along with the villagers at a ceremony which was also attended by surrendered Naxals.
Around 45 days ago, the Chhattisgarh Police had initiated the 'Loan Varatu' (returning home) campaign in the district, to encourage Naxals to surrender and join the mainstream.
The police have tasted immense success with the campaign, as till now, as many as 102 Naxals have laid down their arms.