TSF Agreed to Withdraw the Road Blocked Agitation on Tripura CM Appeals Amidst Widespread Public Protests
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, March 24, 2025
In response to escalating public unrest due to the Twipra Students' Federation's (TSF) indefinite road blockade demanding the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has urged the TSF to withdraw their agitation yesterday evening. The blockade, which commenced on March 21, has severely disrupted daily life across Tripura, leading to widespread public inconvenience and mounting pressure on the state administration.
The TSF's protest involved blocking national highways, railway lines, and key roads, causing significant hardships for commuters, including students appearing for examinations and individuals requiring medical attention. Long queues of vehicles, especially goods-laden trucks, were reported, bringing transportation to a standstill in various parts of the state.
Amidst the growing public outcry over the disruptions, Chief Minister Dr. Saha called upon the TSF to end their blockade and engage in constructive dialogue to address their demands. He emphasized the government's willingness to discuss the script issue and find an amicable solution that respects the cultural and linguistic sentiments of the indigenous communities.
Responding to the Chief Minister's appeal and the widespread public distress caused by the blockade, the TSF agreed to withdraw their road blockade agitation. TSF leaders expressed their readiness to participate in discussions with the government to resolve the script controversy surrounding the Kokborok language. They reiterated their commitment to achieving a solution that aligns with the aspirations of the Kokborok-speaking community while ensuring minimal disruption to public life.
The withdrawal of the blockade is expected to restore normalcy in the state, alleviating the hardships faced by the public over the past few days. The government and TSF are anticipated to schedule talks in the coming days to deliberate on the script issue and work towards a mutually acceptable resolution.
The Kokborok language, predominantly spoken by the indigenous communities of Tripura, has been at the center of a script debate, with the TSF advocating for the adoption of the Roman script over the currently used Bengali script. The recent protests have brought this longstanding issue to the forefront, prompting the state government to engage in dialogue with stakeholders to address the cultural and linguistic concerns associated with the script used for Kokborok.
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