Tripura, 15 Jan 2026: The elected representatives of the Tiprasa community, including royal scion and Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya, have formally reiterated their unequivocal support for the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language. A detailed memorandum was submitted to Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha by Members of the Tripura Legislative Assembly (TLA) and the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
The memorandum emphasizes that recognition of the Roman script is constitutionally permissible and essential to protect linguistic, cultural, and educational rights. It cites Articles 14, 29(1), 350A, and the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, warning that continued ambiguity or denial undermines equality before law and mother-tongue education.
Leaders Who Signed the Memorandum
The memorandum carries signatures of the following elected representatives:
Tripura Legislative Assembly (MLAs & Ministers):
Animesh Debbarma, Minister (Forest, Science & Technology, Environment), Brishaketu Debbarma, Minister (Industries & Commerce), Swapna Debbarma, MLA Biswajit Kalai, MLA Manab Debbarma, MLA Subodh Debbarma, MLA Ranjit Debbarma, MLA Pathan Lal Jamatia, MLA Sanjay Manik Tripura, MLA Smt. Nandita Debbarma (Reang), MLA Chitta Ranjan Debbarma, MLA Paul Dangshu, MLA Philip Kumar Reang.
Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC):
Jagadish Debbarma, Chairman, District Council, Purna Chandra Jamatia, Chief Executive Member (CEM), Kamal Kalai, Executive Member (Health), Bhaba Ranjan Reang, Executive Member (Agri & Horti), Dolly Reang, Executive Member (Social Welfare & Secondary Education), Rajesh Tripura, Executive Member (Fisheries), Suhel Debbarma, Executive Member (Sports & ICA), Ananta Debbarma, Executive Member (Cooperation), Rabindra Debbarma, Executive Member (Education & Kokborok), Runeli Debbarma, Executive Member (PWD & RD), Hangsa Kr. Tripura, MDC Dhirendra Debbarma, MDC Ganesh Debbarma, MDC Uma Sankar Debbarma, MDC Saudagar Kalai, MDC Debojit Tripura.
Key Demands Raised
• Adoption of Roman script as the official script for Kokborok;
• Printing Kokborok question papers in Roman script in CBSE, ICSE, and TBSE examinations;
• Publication of all Kokborok textbooks in Roman script;
• Conducting all government recruitment examinations, including TPSC, in Roman script for Kokborok.
Kokborok was recognised as a state language in 1979, and the demand for Roman script dates back to 1967. The memorandum also refers to recommendations by the Shyama Charan Tripura, Kumud Kunda Chowdhury, and Pabitra Sarkar language commissions, all of which recorded widespread public support for the Roman script.
Meanwhile, on January 14, senior leaders of the Tipra Motha Party met the Chief Minister at his official residence, pressing for a clear and time-bound decision on the issue.
Sharing the development on social media,Royal Scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya stated:
“The Tipra elected representatives, including myself, have formally communicated to the authorities our unambiguous support for Kok Borok in Roman script. It is essential for other elected Tiprasa representatives to make their positions clear. Any ambiguity or silence on this critical issue could have far-reaching consequences for our children and future generations, surpassing political differences.”
Tipra leaders emphasized that the issue transcends party politics and directly affects the future of Indigenous education, identity, and linguistic survival in Tripura.
