Two Tripura student bodies protest over Kok Borok script issue in board exam

The long-standing debate over the script used for the Kok Borok language in Tripura's board examinations has reignited tensions, with indigenous student bodies accusing the state government and examination authorities of negligence.

The Tipra Indigenous Students Federation (TISF) and Twipra Students Federation (TSF) staged demonstrations on Tuesday, demanding immediate resolution after Kok Borok question papers in the Class 10 board exams were printed in Bengali script instead of Roman, despite prior assurances.

The controversy erupted after students appearing for the Class 10 examination on March 17 were handed question papers in Bengali, a script many of them are unfamiliar with. Frustrated and unable to comprehend the questions, several students reportedly left their answer sheets blank, sparking widespread concern within the Kok Borok-speaking community.

The issue has once again brought to light the persistent disregard for indigenous linguistic rights in Tripura’s education system. While both the state government and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had assured that question papers would be available in Roman script, their failure to uphold this commitment has drawn sharp criticism from student organizations and community leaders.

TISF, in its memorandum to the President of the Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE), denounced the situation as a systemic failure.

“Kok Borok is not just a language; it is an identity. The continued reluctance of the TBSE to respect the demand for Roman script in examinations is not just an administrative lapse—it is an attack on the linguistic rights of the indigenous people of Tripura. This issue has been repeatedly raised, yet no lasting solution has been implemented,” the memorandum stated.

The protestors argue that the Roman script is widely preferred for writing Kok Borok as it better accommodates the phonetic structure of the language. However, despite years of advocacy, question papers continue to be published in Bengali, creating academic hurdles for indigenous students.

Last year, a TBSE directive stating that only Bengali script would be accepted in board exams had triggered widespread protests, compelling the state government to intervene. However, this year’s examination fiasco indicates that no concrete steps were taken to resolve the matter permanently.

“This is not a one-time issue but a pattern of systematic exclusion,” said TSF General Secretary Hamalu Jamatia. “The government assured us that Kok Borok question papers would be in Roman script. They failed us. If students suffer due to this, who will take responsibility? This is our final warning. We will not tolerate further negligence.”

With growing unrest among students and parents, the protest has escalated beyond a mere demand for administrative corrections—it has become a symbol of a broader struggle for indigenous identity and linguistic rights in Tripura. The student organizations have vowed to continue their agitation until the government ensures that the Roman script is formally recognized and implemented in all future Kok Borok examinations.