Tripura Students Rally for Roman Script Adoption for Kokborok Language
In a significant display of linguistic activism, thousands of Kokborok-speaking students across Tripura formed extensive human chains on Saturday. The protest was organized to intensify their demand for the official adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language, which serves as the second official language of the northeastern state and is the mother tongue for the majority of its 19 indigenous tribes.
Widespread Demonstrations Across Multiple Locations
The demonstrations were coordinated under the banner of the United Movement Committee for Roman Script (UMCRC), a joint platform representing Kokborok-speaking students. Participants gathered at 11 strategic locations throughout Tripura, raising slogans and advocating for the immediate introduction of the Roman script for their language.
John Debbarma, the convener of UMCRC, addressed reporters, emphasizing the need for governmental respect towards the sentiments of the Kokborok-speaking community. "The government must respect the sentiment of Kokborok-speaking people and introduce the Roman script," Debbarma stated. He also expressed his disappointment over recent statements made by Chief Minister Manik Saha regarding the demand for the Roman script.
Chief Minister's Response and Counterclaims
In response to the protests, Chief Minister Manik Saha alleged that "some people with vested interests" were orchestrating the human chains from behind the scenes. Saha clarified his position, stating, "I am not against Kokborok or English, but the script for Kokborok shall not be Roman script. Under the 8th Schedule of the Constitution, a foreign language is not allowed."
The Chief Minister further noted that there is no restriction on writing examinations for the Kokborok language in either Bengali or Roman script. He urged the Kokborok-speaking populace to develop their own script for the language, highlighting that there is "no dearth of resourceful persons to do the job." Saha accused certain individuals of politicizing the issue and instigating students to launch the movement.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
The protest underscores a deep-seated linguistic and cultural debate within Tripura. The Kokborok language, integral to the identity of the state's tribal communities, faces script-related challenges that impact education, administration, and cultural preservation. The students' mobilization reflects a broader aspiration for linguistic recognition and modernization.
As the dialogue between protesters and the state government continues, the outcome of this movement could set a precedent for language policy in India's northeastern regions. The demand for the Roman script is not merely about orthography but also about accessibility, digital integration, and the empowerment of indigenous languages in a globalized context.
