The Twipra Students Federation (TSF) ended its protest on Sunday after meeting with Chief Minister Manik Saha, who assured them that the Kokborok script issue would be addressed. The student body had blocked national highways since March 21, demanding the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language. After discussions with the Chief Minister, TSF leaders announced their decision to withdraw the agitation, stating they trusted the government’s commitment to finding a resolution.
Protesters had gathered in large numbers over the past few days, causing significant disruption to transportation and daily activities. TSF leaders insisted that the use of the Roman script would benefit students and ensure better accessibility for Kokborok speakers. The movement gained widespread support from tribal communities, who view language preservation as a crucial aspect of their cultural identity.
The meeting between TSF representatives and Chief Minister Manik Saha took place at the state secretariat, where both sides engaged in detailed discussions. The Chief Minister acknowledged the concerns of the students and assured them that the government would evaluate all aspects before making a decision. He urged the protesters to allow the administration some time to conduct a thorough review and hold further consultations with linguistic experts and education officials.
Following the assurance, TSF leaders announced that they would suspend their protest while continuing to engage with the government. They expressed optimism that a fair resolution would be reached. However, they also emphasized that their demand remained unchanged and that they would resume demonstrations if necessary.
The Kokborok script debate has long been a sensitive issue in Tripura, with proponents of both Roman and Bengali scripts voicing strong opinions. Many indigenous groups argue that the Roman script aligns better with their linguistic heritage and global accessibility, while others believe that retaining the Bengali script maintains historical continuity. The government now faces the challenge of balancing these perspectives while ensuring that students do not face difficulties in their education.
Chief Minister Manik Saha reassured students that their voices had been heard and that the government was committed to finding a solution that respects their concerns. He urged all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards a decision that benefits the entire community.
 withdrew its protest after CM Manik Saha assured them of addressing the Kokborok script issue.){kind=link}