Tripura’s Script Controversy: Political Interests and Rising Ethnic Tensions in the State

By  Firstdespatch Desk   Mar 23, 2025

Agartala, Mar 23 (FD) Tripura is facing widespread turmoil due to the ongoing demand for introducing the Roman script in the Kokborok language. The situation escalated when the Tipra Motha-affiliated student organization, Tripura Students Federation (TSF), called for an indefinite road blockade. This has led to severe disruptions, with ambulances carrying patients and students appearing for exams being stopped—an unprecedented event in the state's history.

What has further alarmed the public is the administration's passive response despite the immense hardship faced by common people. Surprisingly, the state's main opposition party, CPM, has remained silent, while the Congress has indirectly supported the movement. This has led many to believe that all major political parties—the ruling BJP, CPM, and Congress—are prioritizing tribal vote bank politics over public welfare.

Historically, Tripura has witnessed policies that have favored tribal appeasement, often at the cost of the Bengali-majority population. From the 1980 ethnic violence to the rehabilitation of insurgents, the Bengali community has continuously faced political and social marginalization. The current script controversy seems to be another attempt to deepen divisions between the tribal and non-tribal populations.

Approximately 70% of Tripura’s population speaks Bengali as their mother tongue, while the remaining 30% includes various tribal communities, only a few of whom use Kokborok. Bengali has long been the state’s administrative and cultural language, ensuring harmony among different communities. However, the sudden push for a script change appears to be politically motivated, with the potential to incite unrest.

The people of Tripura must remain vigilant and seek a peaceful resolution to this issue through discussions. Otherwise, the state risks reliving the dark chapters of its past, as suggested by Tipra Motha leader Pradyot Debbarma.