Demand for introduction of Roman script grows, sit in strike in Vivekananda Maidan

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 7, 2023

Having failed to secure its demand from BJP-led Centre even three months after the declaration of assembly election results, the ‘Tipra Motha’ is now egging on tribal youths to launch a movement for introduction of the Roman script in stead of the modified Bengali script currently being used. A large group of tribal students under the banner of newly formed ‘Roman Script for Kokborok Chauba’ oganised a daylong sit-in strike in the Swami Vivekananda ground at Agartala. Their sole demand was introduction of Roman script for ‘Kokborok’ at the earliest in all schools where ‘Kokborok’ has been taught in modified Bengali script.

However, sensible elements in the ‘Motha’ said that the dispute over the script issue has been retarding the progress of the language of tibals. “It has become like a musical chair, initially the modified Bengali script devised by late Kumud Kundu Chowdhury was introduced but there was always a pressure from missionary elements for Roman script ; then serially Roman script and modified Bengali script took turns in 1990, 1995,2000 and 2005 and now there is a fresh dispute ; even experts like Dr Pabitra Sarkar also did not give a firm opinion, leaving the matter to the collective will of the tribal people” said a leader of ‘Motha’. He also indicated that the issue will linger until a final settlement is reached.