In a significant show of solidarity, students and youths in Tripura formed human chains across 11 locations to demand the official adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language. The initiative was organized by the United Movement Committee for Roman Script (UMCRS), a joint effort by the Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF) and the Tipra Indigenous Students’ Federation (TISF).
The demonstrations took place in Agartala, Killa, Amarpur, Sonamura, Teliamura, Ambasa, Khowai, Manu, South Tripura, Gondatwisa, and Bishramganj, drawing participation from hundreds of students, local activists, and community members.
John Debbarma, vice president of TSF and convener of UMCRS, highlighted the democratic basis of the demand. He stated, “We are holding this human chain to urge the government to adopt the Roman script for Kokborok. Our demand reflects the genuine wishes of Tripura’s people, but the government has yet to act. In a democracy, public aspirations cannot be ignored, and authorities are obliged to respect the collective will of the community.”
Renowned poet and author Bikashrai Debbarma emphasized that the choice of script should rest with the speakers themselves. He noted that a recent RTI survey covering 18 colleges from 2019 to 2021 indicated that the majority of Kokborok-speaking students prefer the Roman script. Furthermore, of 127 Kokborok books published in 2025, 122 were written in Roman script, illustrating the community’s clear preference.
He added, “As citizens of a democratic country, it is the government’s duty to honor public aspirations. The people’s collective voice cannot be dismissed, and their choice of script must be respected.”
The UMCRS has urged the state government to recognize the Roman script officially, stressing that the decision aligns with the democratic right of the Kokborok-speaking community.
