Agartala: Dec 15. The Tripura Women Federation (TWF) Central Committee today strongly condemned Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha’s remarks on the Kokborok script issue, calling them hurtful to Tiprasa sentiments, and warned of intensified protests if the government continues to ignore long-standing demands.
Addressing the media at the Press Club here, TWF General Secretary Gita Debbarma placed the Kokborok script controversy at the centre of the criticism, stating that the CM’s comments during the December 13 Janajati Morcha gathering in front of Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan were “deeply condemnable.”
She reminded that the Kokborok language movement began as early as 1968, culminating on January 19, 1979, when Kokborok was accorded state language status after years of protests, blockades, and shutdowns. While the Act did not specify a script, she said repeated agitations followed, leading to the formation of expert bodies.
Debbarma pointed out that both the Script Selection Commission headed by late legislator Shyama Charan Tripura and the Pabitra Sarkar clearly recommended the Roman script as the most suitable option, noting that over 90 per cent of Kokborok speakers favour Roman script.
She further alleged that although the TTAADC had earlier attempted to implement Roman script using its legislative and executive powers, the initiative was abandoned after a change in the ADC government and allowed to gather dust.
Targeting the CM directly, Gita Debbarma said his remarks failed to respect the sentiments of Kokborok speakers and reflected confusion between English medium education and Roman script, which, she said, are essentially linked.
“If the government can convert schools to English medium, why oppose Roman script only when it comes to Tiprasa students?” she asked, adding, “If my language cannot be pronounced accurately in a Bengali script, why should I be forced to use it?”
She also highlighted academic challenges, stating that students from Class I to XII are compelled to write Kokborok in Bengali script, while CBSE and ICSE students from English-medium backgrounds suffer the most. She noted that at college and university levels, there is little to no opposition to Roman script.
Debbarma further alleged that no Chief Minister of Tripura has seriously prioritised the development of the Kokborok language.
On a separate but related note, the TWF leadership also condemned Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma’s controversial remarks, allegedly referring to “peeling the skin of Motha workers like broiler chickens” and using phrases such as “protest, resistance and revenge.” Calling the comments “unparliamentary,” Gita Debbarma said the minister had forgotten his constitutional oath of office.
She linked the remarks to the recent attack on Motha worker Sankar Debbarma of Chakmaghat, who was reportedly shifted to GB Hospital for advanced treatment, alleging the assault was inspired by inflammatory speech. She also levelled allegations of ‘corruption’ against the minister.
TWF President Manihar Debbarma, addressing the media, said the Chief Minister must remember that he represents the entire state, not just a political party.
“Why should Tiprasa people need permission to speak or write in Kokborok?” he asked, warning that the federation would not hesitate to launch a larger movement if the government continues to sideline the issue.
The press meet was also attended by Advisory Committee member Pabitra Bhakti Jamatia and General Secretary Merry Debbarma and several others.
