Tripura Indigenous Student Federation Protests Demanding Roman Script For Kokborok Language.

Agartala; February 2026: The demand for Roman Script for Kokborok language, the widely spoken indigenous language of all the 19 tribes of Tripura, has been raised for decades by different entities, and at present, ahead of the TTAADC election, the issue has reached its peak. The Kokborok language, spoken by nearly 14 lakh (approximately 24%) people belonging to 19 indigenous communities of the state, has long been at the centre of a linguistic and political controversy. For years, TMP (Tipra Motha Party), and its various wings, such as TISF (Tipra Indigenous Student Federation) and TSF (Tipra Student Federation), along with a few allied wings of TMP, have demanded the adoption of the Roman script, arguing that it would make education more accessible for indigenous students.

Today on 15th February 2026 in different sub divisional towns & districts, TISF, Tripura Indigenous Student Federation members have made human chain and demonstrated demand for the same although Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, told media reporters, today itself that, ruling BJP government has no objection in allowing them any other language than Roman Script since they have their own language and rich cultural heritage to choose an alternative one, while rejecting the demand to introduce the Roman script for Kokborok, reigniting a decades-old debate over the script to be used for the indigenous language of Tripura’s tribal communities.

Manik Saha also said that, in the board exam, it’s clearly seen that a very small number of students have opted for Roman Script instead, which proves that this is nothing but an artificial demand in the name of politics ahead of the TTAADC election. Besides, the TISF leaders have demanded that the needful of allowing for Roman Script is essential for the students and the upcoming generation.

Nevertheless, the demand has been around for quite a long While speaking to media reporters amidst the state-wide protest for Roman Script, the Chief Minister Saha asserted that adopting a “foreign script” could pose a threat to indigenous identity and traditional culture. He reiterated that the government does not support the Roman script for Kokborok and has instead emphasised alternatives such as Devanagari or the development of a new script.

“You say we need to protect our culture, tradition than what’s the need to bring Roman script. Our government is not against English but why do you need Roman script for Kokborok language? Take Devanagari”, he said.

Student organisations have also raised concerns about academic challenges. Board examinations conducted by the Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) are and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) are currently held in Bengali script for Kokborok, which many indigenous students reportedly find difficult. The TSF has warned of protests if the Roman script is not introduced to ease examination-related difficulties.

The issue has gained fresh momentum ahead of the upcoming elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), with differences emerging between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally Tipra Motha Party. While Tipra Motha and allied student bodies such as the Tipra Student Federation (TSF) have strongly advocated for the Roman script (/topic/roman script), the state government has maintained its opposition.

The script issue is not new. Two separate commissions were constituted in 1990 and 2004 to examine the matter, but a constituted in 1990 and 2004 to examine the matter, but a permanent resolution remains elusive. As political temperature rises in the state, the Kokborok script controversy continues to be a sensitive and significant issue, reflecting broader debates over identity, education, and cultural preservation in Tripura.

Earlier, on 13th February 2024, State Minister Sushanta Chowdhury had reiterated that the Tripura government has allowed the students to write Kokborok language board exam paper in the upcoming class 10 and class 12 exams in both Bengali and Roman scripts. Sushanta Chowdhury had then said the decision marks a significant breakthrough in the state’s political and social landscape, addressing a deeply rooted cultural issue that has seen numerous protests, strikes, and agitations under various

administrations. “The resolution came after intense deliberation, culminating in a landmark decision to permit the use of the Roman script for the Kokborok language in examinations. Now, the students can write Kokborok language papers in class 10 and class 12 exams in both Bengali and Roman scripts”, he said.

Following the decision, the indefinite rail-road blockade in Tripura was called off on 13th February 2024 evening. The blockade had been initiated by the Tipra Indigenous Students Federation (TISF)), the students’ wing of the Tipra Motha, the main opposition party in the state.

Soon after the minister’s assurance, the TISF had said the state government has now officially announced that the status quo shall be maintained and students shall have the option to choose between Bengali and Roman scripts for writing their Kokborok paper.

“We thank all the warriors, all other student organisations (esp. #TSF), all the socio-political organisations, intellectuals and others who came forward to support our demand and stood up for the rights of our next generation. Hence, we withdraw the rail road blockade” the TISF had said in a Facebook post.

The government, in an official statement, said that the swift resolution of this crisis not only averts the immediate threat to public safety and economic stability posed by the blockades but also represents a significant step towards fulfilling the cultural and linguistic aspirations of Tripura’s tribal communities.

“This event is likely to be remembered as a pivotal moment in the state’s history, showcasing the power of constructive dialogue and responsive governance”, it added.

Suvro Sanyal – Team Maverick.