Agartala, March 22: A day after Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed his willingness to find a solution to the long-standing Kokborok script issue, the Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF) welcomed his statement on Saturday but reiterated that their agitation for the adoption of the Roman script would continue until a permanent resolution is achieved.
Speaking at a press conference at the Agartala Press Club, TSF vice president John Debbarma stated that while they appreciate the Chief Minister’s remarks in the Assembly, their movement will go ahead as planned from Monday.
“We have seen the Chief Minister’s reply in the Assembly. He has stated that he is looking for a solution. We also believe in a solution, and it must come through dialogue. That’s why we want to inform that we are ready for discussions, but at the same time, our movement will continue in Agartala in a peaceful manner,” he said adding that there has been no communication with them from the government side regarding any dialogue.
Debbarma urged the government to consider their demand for printing Kokborok textbooks and examination papers in the Roman script alongside Bengali, citing it as a necessity for the indigenous people.
He pointed out that two previous language commissions—one led by MLA and tribal literary figure Shyama Charan Tripura and another by linguist Dr. Pabitra Sarkar—had recommended the adoption of the Roman script for Kokborok but was not considered.
Addressing concerns that the strike had disrupted traffic and blocked ambulances and board exam candidates, the TSF leader denied any such incidents and instead called on the government to ensure peace by resolving the issue promptly.
The ongoing demand for the Roman script for Kokborok remains a crucial linguistic and political issue in Tripura, with tribal organizations pushing for recognition and implementation.
