Agartala, February 14, 2026: Tripura witnessed widespread human chain demonstrations on Saturday as thousands of people across the state demanded adoption of the Roman script for Kokborok (Kaubru) language.
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| Protesters gather in Tripura during a human chain demonstration demanding adoption of the Roman script for Kokborok in board examinations. (Image: Special Arrangement) |
The protest was organised under the banner of the United Movement Committee for Roman Script (UMCRS), jointly supported by the Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF) and the Tripura Indigenous Students’ Federation (TISF). Demonstrations were held simultaneously in more than ten locations, including Agartala, Killa, Amarpur, Sonamura, Teliamura, Ambasa, Khowai, Manu, South Tripura, Gandatwisa and Bishramganj.
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| Women protesters join a human chain in Tripura demanding adoption of the Roman script for Kokborok during a peaceful statewide demonstration. (Image: Special Arrangement) |
Participants formed silent human chains in what organisers described as a peaceful assertion of cultural identity and linguistic rights. The central demand of the movement is that question papers for Class 10 and 12 board examinations under TBSE and CBSE be printed in Roman script for Kokborok.
The script issue has remained contentious for decades, with sections supporting the Roman script while others favour the Bengali script. Protesters argued that the Roman script better preserves the phonetic structure of Kokborok and aligns with the aspirations of indigenous communities.
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During the programme, leaders of the movement also criticised Chief Minister Manik Saha, alleging that remarks linking the adoption of a “non-Indian” script to possible constitutional hurdles under the Eighth Schedule were misleading. They maintained that there is no explicit constitutional restriction on the choice of script for a recognised language.
The demonstrations remained peaceful throughout the day, with organisers reiterating their commitment to continue the movement until their demands are addressed.
