Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF) which has called 12-hour Tripura bandh on Monday demanding the Roman Script for Kokborok language got whole hearted support from the Roman Script for Kokborok Choba (RSKC) an umbrella organization with direct link with TIPRA Motha. The RSKS is also advocating for the introduction of the Roman script for the Kok-Borok language.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Bikash Roy Debbarma, Chairman of RSKC, raised questions about the Tripura government’s stance on the matter. He expressed concerns about the alleged discrimination being perpetuated by the government and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) regarding the script to be used for Kok-Borok language.
Debbarma stated, “The government, in collaboration with the CBSE, appears to be fostering discrimination. According to the Chief Minister’s letter to the leader of the opposition, the CBSE has rejected the use of the Roman script for Kok-Borok language and instead mandated the use of Bengali and English scripts for Kok-Borok language students.”
“As we continue to emphasize our demand for the introduction of the Roman script for Kok-Borok language in the CBSE for the benefit of the state’s students, we stand in solidarity with the 12-hour strike called by the TSF on August 28,” Debbarma affirmed during the press briefing.
The RSKC is a confederation comprising 56 Tiprasa organizations that have been at the forefront of advocating for the demands of students and community members for the implementation of the Roman script. The issue surrounding the script for Kok-Borok language has been a contentious one, with various stakeholders voicing their concerns and preferences.
The upcoming strike on August 28 reflects the growing tensions and disputes regarding language scripts in Tripura, and it is anticipated to draw attention to the matter on a broader scale as stakeholders continue to assert their positions in the ongoing debate.