The Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF) announced an indefinite strike starting on February 12, protesting against the Tripura Board of Secondary Examination’s (TBSE) alleged lack of response regarding permission to write the Kokborok language examination in Roman script.
In a press conference on Sunday, TSF leaders expressed solidarity with the Tipra Indigenous Student Federation’s (TISF) decision to block the National Highway indefinitely from Monday onwards. This joint action stems from the TBSE’s failure to address the demand to allow tribal students to write their Kokborok language exam in Roman script.
The TBSE is set to conduct Higher Secondary and Madhyamik examinations on March 1, with over 5,000 tribal students expected to appear. The demand for Roman script for Kokborok language exams has been a longstanding issue, prompting student protests and discussions in the recent assembly session.
TSF leaders voiced their frustration over the TBSE’s handling of the matter, stating that despite several appeals and protests, no clear decision has been communicated. They highlighted a series of interactions with TBSE officials, including meetings and protests, where assurances were allegedly given but not followed through.
According to TSF leaders, the TBSE initially assured them that it would allow students to choose between Bengali and Kokborok scripts for the exam. However, subsequent statements from TBSE officials contradicted these assurances, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction among students.
Despite multiple engagements with TBSE officials, including a final appeal made on February 9, no concrete action has been taken by the board to address the students’ demands. As a result, TSF leaders announced their decision to escalate the protest by initiating an indefinite strike.
The TSF leaders vowed to mobilise a robust movement in support of students’ interests and stated their intent to continue the strike until a satisfactory resolution is reached with the TBSE regarding the Kokborok language examination issue.
