Agartala, January 27 – In a firm stance ahead of key tribal elections, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha dismissed the Tipra Motha Party’s (TMP) push to adopt the Roman script for the Kokborok language, spoken by nine indigenous communities in the state.
Speaking at a gathering of tribal residents in Jolaibari, South Tripura, Saha emphasized that the BJP-led government will not endorse any foreign script for Kokborok. ‘Tribal intellectuals and linguists can mutually decide on a suitable indigenous script, but Roman script is off the table,’ he declared.
The Chief Minister warned that embracing Roman letters could sever the younger generation from their rich traditions, customs, and cultural heritage. He pointed to the Chakma community’s success in developing their own script as inspiration, questioning why Kokborok speakers couldn’t follow suit.
‘Repeated demands for Roman script are merely confusing our youth,’ Saha added, accusing detractors of misleading the community.
Saha highlighted his government’s comprehensive efforts to uplift indigenous people, including economic initiatives, cultural preservation, and honoring the Manikya dynasty. He noted the strengthening of BJP’s organization in tribal areas and stressed that the party wins hearts through performance, not coercion.
Meanwhile, TMP, a BJP ally with strong tribal roots, continues its agitation for Roman script adoption for Kokborok, a Tibeto-Burman language closely related to Bodo, Garo, and Dimasa.
This rejection comes just months before the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, underscoring tensions within the ruling alliance over linguistic identity and cultural preservation.