Two prominent student bodies in Tripura have declared a major statewide movement, scheduled for January 8, to press for the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language. The Tripura Students’ Federation (TSF) and the Tipra Indigenous Students’ Society (TISF) are spearheading this agitation, representing the voice of the state's tribal communities for whom Kokborok is a primary language.
Government Inaction Sparks Fresh Agitation
Leaders from both organisations have voiced strong criticism against the BJP-led state government in Tripura. They accuse the administration of failing to take any concrete decision on the long-pending script issue, despite repeated assurances. The student leaders emphasised that the demand for the Roman script is not new but a persistent concern that now requires urgent resolution.
The movement is a direct response to the perceived apathy of the state government, which they claim has stalled on fulfilling its promises. The leaders recalled that a previous large-scale march in support of the Roman script had demonstrated significant public backing, indicating deep-rooted community support for the cause.
More Than Just a Script: A Question of Identity
For the indigenous groups advocating this change, the issue transcends mere linguistics. The TSF and TISF representatives argue that the push for the Roman script is intrinsically linked to the cultural identity and rights of Tripura's tribal population. They believe that formal recognition of the Roman script is crucial for preserving and promoting their linguistic heritage.
The student bodies have confirmed detailed plans for protests, rallies, and mass demonstrations across various districts of Tripura on January 8. The aim is to amplify their call for immediate government action and bring the issue to the forefront of the state's political discourse.
A Warning of Escalation if Demands Are Ignored
While assuring that the upcoming January 8 movement will be conducted peacefully, the leaders issued a clear warning. They stated that if the government continues to remain unresponsive to their legitimate demand, the agitations will not only persist but could also intensify in nature and scale across the state.
The announcement sets the stage for a significant show of strength by student and indigenous groups in Tripura. The outcome of the January 8 agitation could determine the future trajectory of this linguistic and cultural debate in the northeastern state, potentially leading to wider political repercussions if the stalemate continues.
