Nagas say the conflict has cost the lives of some 200, 000 of their people, from a Naga population now estimated at 3.5m-4m.

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Nagas live in several states besides their own, Nagaland.

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On each of the main bathing days they lead the dawn charge to the river, but always at the very front come the nagas (sadhus who have renounced virtually everything, including clothing).

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