The Tipra Indigenous Students’ Federation (TISF) and the Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF) announced a state-wide protest on December 18, demanding the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language.
Leaders of the two student organisations said torchlight rallies would be organised across all districts and subdivisions of Tripura in the evening as part of the protest. The main rally will be held in Agartala, starting from Swami Vivekananda Maidan and marching towards the State Museum.
The protest has been called in response to recent remarks by Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, who urged indigenous communities to adopt an Indian script instead of a foreign one for Kokborok.
TISF leader Sajra Debbarma said the decision to launch a state-wide agitation was taken to press their long-pending demand, alleging that the Kokborok script issue has been debated repeatedly over the years without any concrete outcome. He accused the state government of failing to take the long-standing demand seriously.
“Through these rallies, we want to convey the collective sentiment of indigenous people to both the state and central governments,” Debbarma said.
He added that TSF leaders have extended full support to the movement and activists of both organisations will participate in the protests in unity. Criticising the Chief Minister’s remarks, Debbarma said the government has the authority to appoint linguistic experts and should resolve the issue through decisive action rather than continuing with prolonged discussions.
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