Agartala: The Tipra Indigenous Students’ Federation (TISF) and the Tipra Students’ Federation (TSF) on Tuesday announced a state-wide torch rally on December 18, demanding the adoption of the Roman script for Kokborok.
Leaders of both organisations said they will organise torch rallies across all districts and subdivisions of Tripura in the evening.
They said the central protest rally will begin at Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala and proceed to the State Museum.
The organisations announced the protest in response to Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha’s recent remarks advising indigenous communities to adopt an Indian script instead of a foreign one.
TISF leader Sajra Debbarma said the organisations decided to launch the state-wide protest to press their long-pending demand.
“Through these rallies, we want to send a clear message to both the state and central governments about our sentiments,” Debbarma said.
He alleged that the script issue has dragged on for years without any concrete outcome.
Debbarma criticised the state government for what he described as a lack of seriousness in addressing the genuine demand of indigenous communities.
He said TSF leaders have extended full support to the movement and activists of both organisations will participate in the protests in unity.
Reacting strongly to the Chief Minister’s comments, Debbarma said the government should act responsibly and focus on resolving the issue.
He said the state has the authority to appoint linguistic experts and take concrete steps to settle the script issue instead of prolonging discussions.