Tripura indigenous student body calls indefinite strike from March 21, demands Roman script for Kok Borok exams

The Twipra Students Federation (TSF), an indigenous students' organization affiliated with the North East Students Organisation (NESO), has announced an indefinite statewide strike starting March 21.

The protest will involve blocking all national highways to press their demand for the implementation of the Roman script for Kok Borok examinations. Additionally, they are seeking a rescheduled exam for board candidates who struggled to write their Kok Borok paper after the question paper was set in Bengali script.

Addressing the media, TSF General Secretary Hamalu Jamatia expressed frustration over the prolonged neglect of their demands.

"For years, we have been protesting, submitting memoranda, and engaging with authorities over the script issue. Last year, we held a strike and met the Governor. We also submitted memoranda to the Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) and CBSE, urging them to ensure Kok Borok question papers are available in both scripts. Despite assurances, on March 17, during the board exam, the Kok Borok paper was set only in Bengali script," Jamatia stated.

He further claimed that several students, including those from private schools, were unable to read the question paper, leaving them unable to write their exam.

"This has caused panic among students. We have consulted students and their parents, and they are distressed. In response, TSF has decided to launch an indefinite strike on March 21, demanding the adoption of the Roman script for Kok Borok. The government and education boards must acknowledge the sentiments of the indigenous community and respect our language. We urge students and the public to support our movement," he added.

TSF has repeatedly called on the government to address their concerns, but their appeals have gone unanswered. Jamatia warned that unless the authorities engage with them directly and resolve the matter, the agitation will continue.

"The government must reschedule the exam and give Class 10 and 12 students another chance to write their Kok Borok paper. The Class 12 board exam for Kok Borok is scheduled for tomorrow, and we fear the question paper will once again be in Bengali script," he said.

With the strike set to commence, tensions are high as students, parents, and indigenous communities await the government's response.