Agartala, Jan 12: Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma has formally urged the state government to include January 19, the officially recognised Kokborok Day in the 48th Kokborok Sal celebrations, terming its omission a serious lapse that has hurt tribal sentiments across the state.
In letters addressed to the Higher Education Minister and senior officials of the department, Debbarma pointed out that while the government announced a seven-day celebration from January 9 to January 17, it inexplicably left out January 19, the day traditionally and consistently observed as Kokborok Day every year.
The MLA questioned the rationale behind excluding the exact commemorative date, asking on what basis the programme was finalised without accommodating January 19. He maintained that the decision has led to widespread dissatisfaction among Kokborok-speaking tribal communities, who view the day as central to their linguistic and cultural identity.
Stressing the need for immediate correction, Debbarma said inclusion of January 19 in the programme is essential to demonstrate respect for Kokborok language and to address the growing grievances of the tribal population.
He appealed to the government to revise the celebration schedule at the earliest, asserting that recognition of Kokborok Day is a matter of cultural justice rather than administrative convenience.
