Tripura Kokborok strike: TSF to hold ‘mega peaceful protest’ in Agartala next week

The TSF has been demanding official recognition for the Roman script for Kokborok, which is the lingua franca of the tribal communities in the state. The student body has also demanded that CBSE Class 10 and 12 tests for Kokborok be held afresh as invigilators in some centres ‘refused’ to translate Kokborok question papers set in the Bengali script.

While Kokborok has a rich history and is one of the official languages in Tripura, it does not have an officially recognised indigenous script. Kokborok is written in both Roman and Bengali scripts.

“We heard Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha say in the Assembly that he is looking for a solution. So, we also believe in a solution and it should come with a dialogue. We want to inform you that we are going to hold a movement in Agartala on Monday. It will be a very peaceful movement,” John Debbarma, Vice President, TSF, told reporters at the Agartala Press Club on Saturday.

Debbarma stated they were not against the Bengali script but added that the state government should also print Kokborok textbooks and question papers in the Roman script.

Asked about the future course of agitation, he said, “Movement can be done in different ways, different means. Our protests will be held in different ways. It may be bigger than what was held. So, we shall come to Agartala and hold a peaceful protest.”

Hours after the indefinite strike began on Friday, Chief Minister Manik Saha had said in the Assembly that the Kokborok script issue would be resolved soon.

On Friday, protesters supporting the strike blocked National Highways in several parts of the state. While there were allegations that ambulances were stopped in a few areas, there was no report of any violence.

Meanwhile, when asked about their current stand on converting the Pushpavant Palace, the former Raj Bhavan of Tripura, into a five-star hotel, the TSF leader said, “We are not against development in Tripura. We are not against five-star hotels but the history and culture of Tripura should be preserved.”