Agartala : The linguistic landscape of Northeast India is witnessing a major shift as the movement for the Kokborok Roman script intensifies. On Saturday, February 14, 2026, thousands of indigenous students took to the streets across Tripura. They formed massive human chains to demand the official adoption of the Roman script for their mother tongue.
The demonstrations occurred under the banner of the United Movement Committee for Roman Script (UMCRC). This joint platform represents various student bodies, including the Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF). Protesters gathered at 11 strategic locations throughout the state. They raised slogans urging the government to respect the cultural aspirations of the 19 tribal communities that speak Kokborok.
Student Protests Sweep Through 11 Locations
The coordinated protests significantly disrupted major transit points. From the state capital of Agartala to several sub-divisional towns, the message was clear. Students want the Roman script to be the official medium for Kokborok, Tripura’s second official language.
John Debbarma, the convener of UMCRC, emphasized that the demand is a reflection of popular sentiment. “A democratically elected government cannot ignore the aspirations of its people,” Debbarma stated during the protest. He noted that the Roman script is essential for the academic and cultural growth of the younger generation.
Chief Minister Saha Urges Indigenous Script Development
In response to the protests, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha clarified the government’s stance. He maintained that the state has not banned the use of the Roman script in examinations. However, he expressed a strong preference for an “Indian-origin” script.
Saha argued that using a “foreign script” like Roman might not align with the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Instead, he urged linguistic experts to develop an indigenous script unique to the community. He also suggested that Devanagari could serve as a viable alternative to the Bengali script.
“I am not against English, but why should a foreign script be used for an indigenous language?” Saha questioned.
The Chief Minister further alleged that the movement is being politicized by “vested interests” ahead of the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections.
Political Fault Lines and Academic Challenges
The script controversy has created a divide within the ruling NDA alliance. The Tipra Motha Party (TMP), a key ally of the BJP, strongly supports the Roman script. TMP leader Pradyot Kishore Debbarma has previously sought intervention from the Union Education Ministry on this matter.
Currently, students appearing for Tripura Board (TBSE) and CBSE exams can choose between Bengali and Roman scripts. However, student leaders argue that the lack of official recognition for the Roman script creates administrative hurdles. They claim that the Bengali script, while historical, is often difficult for indigenous students to master in a linguistic context.
Historical commissions in 1990 and 2004 previously examined this issue, yet a permanent resolution remains elusive. As the TTAADC elections approach, the Kokborok Roman script demand is expected to remain a central theme in Tripura’s political discourse.
Also Read : Pawan Khera Urges PM Modi to Visit Violence-Hit Manipur During North-East Trip