Tipra Motha Party founder and royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarman has expressed serious concerns over the alleged violation of the agreed “status quo” regarding the Kokborok board examinations in Tripura. The issue revolves around the use of the Roman script for writing Kokborok, which has been a longstanding demand of the indigenous community.
Allegations of Disruption
Pradyot highlighted instances where students faced difficulties during the exams due to a lack of clarity and assistance from invigilators. Reports suggest that some students were compelled to submit blank answer sheets, further exacerbating the situation. The Tipra Motha leader has termed this as a breach of the consensus reached earlier and has vowed to take up the matter with Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha.
Historical Context
The debate over the script for Kokborok has been ongoing for decades. While the Roman script is widely preferred by the indigenous community, the Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) has mandated the use of the Bengali script for examinations. This has led to repeated clashes between tribal organizations and the state education authorities.
Pradyot’s Call for Action
Pradyot has announced his intention to seek the Chief Minister’s intervention to resolve the issue and ensure that the rights of Kokborok-speaking students are upheld. He emphasized the importance of respecting the cultural and linguistic identity of the indigenous community, urging the government to address their concerns with sensitivity.
The controversy has reignited debates over linguistic rights and the need for inclusive policies in Tripura. As the matter unfolds, all eyes are on the state government and its response to the demands of the indigenous community.
