Agartala, 13th January 2026 : Tipra Motha legislator Ranjit Debbarma has urged Tripura’s Higher Education Minister, Kishor Barman, to take immediate steps to include January 19, 2026—officially observed as Kokborok Day—in the proposed programme for the 48th Kokborok Sal-2026.
In a formal communication, Debbarma pointed out that the state government has planned a seven-day celebration of Kokborok Sal-2026 from January 9 to January 17. However, the omission of January 19, which is annually recognised as Kokborok Day, has sparked discontent among Kokborok-speaking tribal communities across the state.
Expressing strong concern, the MLA said the exclusion of this significant date has deeply hurt the sentiments of indigenous people. He described the decision as both surprising and unacceptable, noting that January 19 holds immense historical and cultural importance for the Kokborok language movement.
Debbarma questioned the logic behind finalising a seven-day schedule while excluding the actual Kokborok Day. “What was the basis for leaving out January 19, 2026, when it is the most meaningful day associated with Kokborok?” he asked.
Highlighting the cultural significance of the language, he stressed that Kokborok represents more than communication—it embodies the identity, emotions, and heritage of Tripura’s indigenous population. Ignoring Kokborok Day, he warned, could further alienate tribal communities and intensify existing grievances.
The Tipra Motha MLA strongly demanded that January 19, 2026 be incorporated into the official celebration programme, stating that such a step would reflect respect for the Kokborok language and acknowledge the sentiments of the tribal people.
He has appealed to the Higher Education Minister to review the decision and ensure the inclusion of Kokborok Day 2026 in the celebration calendar, emphasizing that it is essential for preserving cultural dignity and maintaining social harmony in Tripura.
