Two days ago, Tripura CM Saha stated that his government was not in favour of Roman script for Kokborok
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha’s recent remarks opposing the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language have triggered a major political backlash within the ruling NDA alliance, exposing growing fault lines ahead of the crucial Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections.
Two days ago, while addressing a mass joining programme in Agartala, Dr Manik Saha stated that his government was not in favour of Roman script for Kokborok and suggested that Kokborok-speaking intellectuals could develop a new script similar to the Chakma community if required, resentment among tribal allies has intensified.
After strong condemnation from the Tipra Motha, the BJP’s other key ally, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), has now condemned CM Saha’s remarks.
Speaking to Northeast Live, IPFT general secretary Swapan Debbarma launched a scathing attack on CM Manik Saha, alleging that the Chief Minister lacked a proper understanding of the historic Kokborok movement.
” I have heard chief minister Manik Shah has set. Probably CM Shah has no idea about movement,” he said.
Debbarma recalled that the demand for legal recognition of Roman script dates back to 1967, when the Tripura Upajati Juba Samiti (TUJS), the state’s first regional tribal party, was formed and the demand continues to exist till today.
“Chief Minister Saha should have understood that this is not a demand of individual parties like IPFT or Tipra Motha. It is a demand of the entire Tiprasa society that speaks Kokborok. This movement has existed since 1967 and continues even today,” he added.
Accusing the Chief Minister of hurting tribal sentiments, the IPFT leader said Dr Saha had “disrespected a long-standing movement” and should have refrained from making such remarks.
“Whatever Chief Minister Manik Saha said should not have been said, as it has hurt the sentiments of Kokborok-speaking people. We strongly condemn the Chief Minister’s remarks,” he added.
In a sharp political warning, Debbarma added that while CM Manik Saha may not allow a law recognising Roman script during his tenure, some other Chief Minister will surely do it, stressing that no one remains in power forever.
The IPFT general secretary further reminded the Chief Minister that Roman script for Kokborok is a core demand of BJP’s tribal alliance partners and urged him to “speak wisely or stay silent” on such sensitive issues.
“If you do not want to support the demand, it’s okay, but you should remain quiet. If you do not allow a law recognising the Roman script during your tenure, someone else surely will. The demand will continue, and alliance partners should think carefully before commenting on such issues,” Debbarma said.
With both Tipra Motha and IPFT expressing open displeasure, the controversy has assumed serious political significance ahead of the TTAADC elections. The standoff comes at a time when Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, under his ‘Thansa’ call, is attempting to forge a united tribal platform against national parties.
Whether the Chief Minister’s firm opposition to Roman script will help BJP consolidate its non-tribal base or instead push its tribal allies closer together against the party remains a critical question—one that could decisively shape the electoral battle in Tripura’s tribal heartland scheduled early next year.
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