Kokborok language day rally in Tripura disrupted by protest over Roman script demand

The 48th Kokborok Language Day rally in Tripura witnessed brief tension on January 19 after indigenous students’ organisations protested over their long-pending demand for the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language.

The rally, which began in front of Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan, saw participation from students, teachers, and representatives of various schools and social organisations. It was led by MLA Rampada Jamatia and former MLA Dr Atul Debbarma, who also serves as convener of the Script Selection Committee for the development of the Kokborok language.

Soon after the rally commenced, members of the Twipra Students Federation (TSF) and Tipra Indigenous Students Federation (TISF) reached the venue and raised slogans demanding the introduction of the Roman script. The protesters alleged that successive governments had ignored the collective voice of the indigenous community on the script issue.

Police intervened to stop the demonstration, citing disruption of the official programme.

Speaking to the media, TSF Vice President John Debbarma said that while the government was officially observing Kokborok Language Day, it was failing to address the core aspirations of the Tiprasa people. He said the protest was meant to convey that the community would not remain silent about its rights, stressing that the script issue has remained unresolved despite repeated demands. He added that the government must respect the language and honour the demand for the Roman script.

Reacting to the incident, MLA Rampada Jamatia described the disruption as unfortunate. He said a peaceful and culturally significant rally was underway when attempts were made to disrupt it, adding that the police should have taken preventive measures earlier. Emphasising the broader objective, Jamatia said efforts were ongoing to develop the Kokborok language, work towards a standardised script, and push for its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

The Kokborok script issue has remained a sensitive and unresolved subject for decades in Tripura, frequently triggering protests and political debate across the state.