By TC News Desk
Agartala, 20th March 2025: The Twipra Students Federation (TSF), a key indigenous student organization in Tripura and an affiliate of the North East Students Organisation (NESO), has declared an indefinite statewide strike from March 21. The protest will include road blockades on all national highways to push for the use of the Roman script in Kok Borok examinations. Additionally, TSF is demanding a rescheduled exam for students who faced difficulties in writing their Kok Borok paper after the question paper was provided only in Bengali script.
Speaking to the media, TSF General Secretary Hamalu Jamatia expressed disappointment over the authorities’ continued inaction despite years of advocacy on the issue.
“For a long time, we have been raising this demand through protests, memoranda, and discussions with officials. Last year, we even met the Governor and urged both the Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to provide Kok Borok question papers in both Bengali and Roman scripts. However, during the March 17 board exam, the paper was once again set exclusively in Bengali,” Jamatia stated.
He highlighted that several students, particularly those from private schools, struggled to comprehend the paper and were unable to complete their exam. “This situation has triggered distress among students. After discussions with them and their parents, we found widespread concern and disappointment. In response, TSF has decided to escalate our movement with an indefinite strike, demanding the implementation of the Roman script for Kok Borok. The authorities must recognize the linguistic rights of the indigenous community. We call upon students and the public to support our cause,” he added.
Despite repeated appeals, TSF claims the government has ignored their concerns. Jamatia warned that the agitation will persist unless officials engage with them directly and take immediate steps to address their demands. “The government must reschedule the exam and allow Class 10 and 12 students to retake their Kok Borok paper. The Class 12 exam is set for tomorrow, and we fear that once again, the question paper will be provided only in Bengali,” he stated.
