Kokborok Script Row: Tripura student body calls for indefinite strike from Feb 12

Agartala: The Tipra Indigenous Students Federation (TISF), affiliated with Tripura’s principal opposition party Tipra Motha, has declared an indefinite road and rail blockade starting from February 12.

Their primary demand is the adoption of the Roman script for writing the Kokborok subject in board exams.

In a press conference, TISF President Sajra Debbarma highlighted that initially, Dr. Dhananjay Gan Chowdhury, the President of the Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE), had permitted students to choose either Roman or Bengali script for the Kokborok subject exam during board exams.

However, he unexpectedly reversed this decision and announced the acceptance of only Bengali script.

Debbarma stated, “The TBSE President had assured us that students could opt for either Roman or Bengali script for exams. Historical evidence supports the usage of both scripts in the past. In protest, commencing on February 12, we will initiate an indefinite blockade of roads and railways. We are firm on this stance until the education department provides written confirmation permitting the use of the Roman script.”

Furthermore, he accused the state government of violating the education system established by the central government.

“Insisting on the use of the Roman script for the exam, we will effectively close all highways and railways from February 12, barring emergency vehicles,” he added.