The Tripura Students’ Federation (TSF) has called for a massive blockade of the National Highway (NH), demanding the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language. The demand has sparked heated debates across the state, with the TSF accusing the government of ignoring the voice of the people while prioritizing its own interests. The issue has ignited widespread public discourse, and the stakes have never been higher.
The Unheard Cry of the Kokborok Community
Kokborok, the native language of the Tripuri people, has been a symbol of cultural pride and identity for generations. However, its representation and usage have always been a contentious issue. The longstanding demand for the use of the Roman script for Kokborok has gained renewed momentum, with the TSF leading the charge. Their primary concern is the government’s reluctance to take meaningful action to promote the language in a modern, accessible form.
The government’s stance on the issue has been one of silence, leading many to question whether it truly cares about preserving the linguistic heritage of the indigenous communities. Instead of addressing the demands of the people, the authorities seem more focused on maintaining a status quo that benefits a select few, according to critics.
The TSF has argued that the existing script for Kokborok, which uses the Bengali script, is not suitable for the modern world. It hinders the growth and adaptability of the language, especially when it comes to education, technology, and communication. The Roman script, they believe, would bring Kokborok into the digital age, making it more accessible and relevant for younger generations.
NH Blockade: A Desperate Cry for Attention
In a show of strength, the TSF has announced plans to block major National Highways across Tripura, a bold tactic to bring attention to their cause. The NH blockade is expected to cause significant disruption, halting traffic and bringing commerce to a standstill. This is a move that is likely to provoke anger from various sectors, but it is also a powerful signal of the growing frustration among the indigenous population of Tripura.
While the government has warned against such disruptions, accusing the TSF of creating unnecessary chaos, the organization remains adamant in its pursuit of the Roman script for Kokborok. “The government has ignored us for too long. We are left with no choice but to take matters into our own hands,” said a TSF leader in a statement to the press. “This blockade is not just about the Roman script; it’s about recognizing our culture, our identity, and our rightful place in this state.”
The blockade is seen as a last-ditch effort by the TSF to force the government to engage in a meaningful dialogue about the issue. However, many observers believe that the government’s indifference is a sign of its failure to listen to the people it is meant to serve. By refusing to take concrete action, the government risks alienating a large portion of the indigenous population, who feel marginalized and unheard.
A Government That Delays, Distracts, and Denies
The government’s reaction to the demands of the TSF has been, at best, lukewarm. Instead of addressing the core issue of Kok Borok’s linguistic future, the authorities have resorted to delays, deflection, and distraction. Meetings with representatives from the Kokborok community have resulted in little more than empty promises, with no substantial progress on the issue.
This behavior has led many to accuse the government of prioritizing political expediency over the welfare of the indigenous population. Instead of actively working towards a solution that could empower the Kokborok language, the state seems content with maintaining a superficial level of progress that does little to address the root causes of the community’s dissatisfaction.
Critics argue that the government’s reluctance to embrace the Roman script for Kokborok is a direct reflection of its inability to connect with the aspirations of the people. While the state touts its development achievements, the reality for many of the indigenous communities is one of neglect and marginalization. The push for the Roman script is not just about language; it’s about dignity, representation, and an acknowledgment of the unique cultural identity of the Tripuri people.
The Future of Kokborok : A Choice Between Progress and Neglect
The push for the Roman script for Kokborok has quickly become a battle for the soul of Tripura. For the TSF, this is more than just a linguistic issue—it is about asserting the rights of the indigenous people and ensuring that their language evolves in a way that is relevant in the modern world.
For the government, however, the stakes are equally high. The way it handles the demands for the Roman script will send a strong message about its commitment to the indigenous population and their cultural heritage. Will it continue to ignore the voices of the people, or will it take a bold step toward change?
As tensions rise and the NH blockade looms, one thing is clear: the future of Kokborok hangs in the balance. The question remains whether the government will finally listen to the people and take decisive action, or whether it will continue to prioritize its own agenda over the cultural and linguistic needs of the indigenous communities.
The clock is ticking, and the people of Tripura are waiting for answers. Will the government rise to the occasion, or will it allow this crucial issue to become yet another example of unfulfilled promises? The outcome of this struggle will define not only the future of Kokborok but also the relationship between the people and the government of Tripura for years to come.
