Tribal students across Tripura took to the streets today, blocking major roads and halting traffic to demand the adoption of the Roman script for Kokborok, the native language of the Tripuri people. The protest, organized by student bodies from various tribal communities, has sparked widespread attention, with voices rising in anger against the government’s consistent refusal to meet their demand for linguistic recognition and progress.
The roadblocks, which paralyzed key highways for hours, have sent a clear message to the state government: the time for empty promises is over. These tribal students, many of whom are deeply invested in preserving and promoting their culture, are making it clear that their voices cannot be ignored any longer.
A Historic Protest: Students Rise for Their Language
The call for the Roman script has been a longstanding demand from various indigenous groups in Tripura. While Kokborok is widely spoken among the Tripuri people, its use in modern education, government documents, and technological platforms has been limited by the traditional Bengali script. For years, advocates have argued that the use of the Roman script would help preserve Kokborok’s relevance in an increasingly digital and globalized world.
Today’s protest, however, marks a decisive moment in the struggle. With students leading the charge, the demonstrations highlight a growing dissatisfaction with the government’s inability—or unwillingness—to address the issue seriously. The students have made it clear that the time has come for a shift towards the Roman script, a move they believe will empower future generations to connect with their cultural roots while also modernizing the language for practical use in education, media, and digital spaces.
“We are not just protesting for a script; we are protesting for our culture, our identity,” said one of the student leaders, visibly upset by the government’s inaction. “The government cannot continue to ignore us while promising development and progress in other areas. Our language, our heritage, deserves more than token gestures.”
Government’s Silence Speaks Volumes
The state government has remained eerily silent in the face of these protests. Despite repeated demands and petitions from indigenous groups, the government has failed to take significant action towards implementing the Roman script for Kokborok. Students and tribal communities have accused the government of sidelining their cultural needs while focusing on more politically favorable initiatives.
Some critics argue that the government’s indifference to the Kokborok issue is part of a larger pattern of neglect towards indigenous communities in Tripura. While there has been talk of development and modernization in the state, it is clear that the needs of the tribal people—especially in matters of education and cultural preservation—are being consistently overlooked.
The protests are seen by many as an expression of frustration with a government that, they say, continues to prioritize short-term political gains over long-term cultural sustainability. The lack of action on the Kokborok language issue has left many questioning the government’s commitment to the indigenous people of the state.
“It’s all about lip service. The government always talks about empowering people, but when it comes to real change, they fail us,” a frustrated student protester shared. “They have no real interest in our cultural preservation. This roadblock is just the beginning.”
The Power of Unity: Students Challenge the Status Quo
The roadblocks organized by the tribal student groups were not isolated incidents but a coordinated effort across the state. From the heart of Agartala to remote villages, students have united in protest, underscoring the significance of the Kokborok issue in the lives of tribal communities. The protests have gained traction, with many tribal youth expressing solidarity with the cause.
One of the most striking aspects of the protest is the unity displayed by students from different tribal communities, all united under the banner of Kokborok. Despite differences in background and political affiliations, the call for the Roman script has become a shared rallying cry for everyone who believes in preserving their language and culture.
“Our demand is simple: the Roman script for Kokborok. We want our language to be recognized and modernized. We are not asking for special treatment; we just want the same opportunities as everyone else,” said another student leader, speaking to the gathered media.
The student groups have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met. Some have even warned that further roadblocks and strikes are on the horizon if the government continues to drag its feet.
The Road Ahead: Will the Government Listen?
With the escalating protests and increasing public support for the cause, the pressure on the state government is mounting. While the ruling administration remains tight-lipped, there is no denying that the momentum behind the students’ demands is growing stronger. The government’s inaction could soon backfire, as public opinion turns against it.
The issue of Kokborok’s script is no longer just a matter of linguistic preference—it has become a symbol of indigenous pride and cultural preservation. The protesters are no longer asking for permission; they are demanding their rights. The state government, already facing pressure from multiple fronts, will need to decide whether it will listen to the people or continue to ignore their legitimate demands.
For now, the streets of Tripura are filled with the sounds of protesters chanting for change, their message clear: the government cannot keep ignoring the needs of its indigenous people. If the authorities continue to turn a blind eye, the protests are bound to intensify, with the future of Kokborok hanging in the balance.
A Fight for Identity and Progress
As the government remains quiet, the students of Tripura have shown they will not be silenced. This protest is not just about the script—it is about identity, culture, and the right of the indigenous people to be heard. The roadblocks today are a powerful reminder that the struggle for the Roman script is far from over.
If the government continues to ignore the demands, it risks losing the trust of the very people it claims to serve. The pressure is now on the government to act decisively and embrace the demands for the Roman script, or else face the consequences of alienating an entire generation of tribal youth determined to preserve their heritage and make their voices heard.
