Protests erupted during Kokborok Day celebrations in Agartala as tribal students demanded official recognition of the Roman script. The demonstrations highlighted deep divisions between student groups and government representatives over the future script of the Kokborok language.
The 48th Kokborok Day celebration in Agartala on Monday took a tense and unexpected turn as tribal student organizations staged protests demanding official recognition of the Roman script for the Kokborok language. What began as a cultural and linguistic observance soon transformed into a political and social flashpoint, reflecting long-standing divisions over the future of Kokborok’s written form.
Kokborok Day, observed annually, commemorates the linguistic heritage of Tripura’s indigenous communities and celebrates the language’s historical and cultural significance. However, this year’s event was overshadowed by strong demonstrations led by students who argue that the Roman script better represents the linguistic identity and aspirations of Kokborok speakers.
As the rally moved through the streets of Agartala, members of the Tribal Students’ Federation and the Tribal Indigenous Students’ Federation joined the march, holding placards and raising slogans demanding immediate official recognition of the Roman script. The protesters maintained that Roman script has long been used in education, literature, and daily communication by a significant section of the Kokborok-speaking population.
Despite attempts by police and security personnel to stop the marchers from proceeding toward key locations in the city, the protesters continued their demonstration peacefully. Tensions escalated when the procession reached near the Congress Bhavan area, where police intervened and detained the demonstrators. They were later taken to the AD Nagar police ground as a preventive measure to maintain public order.
Speaking to reporters after their detention, student leaders said their demand was clear and non-negotiable. They emphasized that Kokborok is the mother tongue of the indigenous people and that the community should have the right to decide its official script. According to them, the Roman script is practical, widely accepted, and already in use among students and writers. They argued that ignoring this demand undermines linguistic freedom and cultural identity.
On the other hand, the government’s position remains firm against adopting the Roman script. Ramapada Jamatia, Vice-Chairman of the Kokborok Language Development Advisory Committee and a sitting legislator, strongly rejected the students’ demand. He described the Roman script movement as a “foreign conspiracy” and reiterated that the government is working toward introducing a new indigenous script for Kokborok.
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According to him, the long-running script controversy would soon reach a conclusion, with efforts underway to develop a writing system rooted in indigenous traditions. He maintained that such a script would preserve cultural authenticity and protect the language from external influences.
The conflicting statements from student groups and government representatives have once again brought the Kokborok script debate into the spotlight. Linguists, educators, and community leaders remain divided, with no consensus on whether Roman, Bengali-based, or a newly developed indigenous script should be officially adopted.
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As Kokborok continues to gain prominence in education and administration, the demand for clarity on its script has become increasingly urgent. The events of Kokborok Day underline the need for inclusive dialogue and transparent decision-making to ensure that linguistic development aligns with the aspirations of the community it represents.
