Archive · 14 Dec 2025
TMP Chief Rejects CM's Kokborok Script Suggestion
There is a big discussion in Tripura about which writing system should be used for the Kokborok language, which is spoken by many tribes there.
The leader of the Tipra Motha Party, Pradyot Kishore Maniya Debbarma, says that only the Tiprasa people should decide this, and no outsiders should tell them what to do.
He made these comments after the state's Chief Minister, Manik Saha, suggested creating a new, local writing system instead of using the Roman alphabet.
Debbarma also compared this situation to how Pakistan once tried to force Urdu on Bengali speakers, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.
He also criticized the BJP's tribal wing rally and claimed that his party has more support among the Tiprasa people.
The upcoming elections for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council will be a big test for both sides.
TMP chief Pradyot Kishore Maniya Debbarma asserts that the choice of script for Kokborok is an internal issue for the Tiprasa people.
Tripura CM Manik Saha suggested developing an indigenous script for Kokborok instead of using the Roman script.
Debbarma criticized the BJP's tribal wing rally, claiming his party has more support among the Tiprasa people.
Debbarma compared the script debate to Pakistan's imposition of Urdu on Bengali speakers, which led to the formation of Bangladesh.
Elections for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, currently run by the TMC, will be held early next year.
- Who
- Pradyot Kishore Maniya Debbarma (TMP) and Manik Saha (Tripura CM)
- What
- Debate over the script for the Kokborok language
- When
- December 14, 2023
- Where
- Tripura, India
- Why
- Disagreement over the choice of script for Kokborok language examinations and broader political context
- Kokborok Language
- Spoken by around 19 tribes in Tripura
- Script Controversy
- Debate between Roman script and indigenous script
- TMP Supremo
- Pradyot Kishore Maniya Debbarma
- Tripura CM
- Manik Saha
- TTAADC
- Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council
- Upcoming Elections
- Early 2024 for TTAADC seats
