Agartala, February 15: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Saturday reaffirmed the state government's commitment to the preservation, promotion and development of the Kokborok language while alleging that recent demands for the adoption of the Roman script are being driven by political motives aimed at creating confusion among tribal communities, particularly students.
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| Tripura CM Manik Saha addresses the State Tribal Conference 2026 organized by ABVP in Agartala, emphasizing Kokborok promotion and unity. (Image: x.com/DrManikSaha2) |
The Chief Minister made the remarks while addressing the State-Level Tribal Students’ Conference 2026, organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in Agartala. The conference brought together tribal students, youth leaders, educators and representatives of various organizations to discuss issues related to education, culture and community development.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha said the government remains dedicated to the holistic development of tribal communities and has been implementing a range of initiatives to improve educational opportunities, infrastructure, healthcare services and livelihood prospects in tribal areas. He emphasized that the promotion of indigenous languages, including Kokborok, continues to be a priority for the state administration.
“The government is fully committed to the protection, preservation and expansion of Kokborok. We are continuously working to strengthen the language and ensure that future generations remain connected to their linguistic and cultural heritage,” the Chief Minister said.
Referring to the ongoing debate over the script to be used for Kokborok, Dr. Saha alleged that certain groups are attempting to raise what he described as “unjustified demands” for the adoption of the Roman script. According to him, these efforts are not purely linguistic in nature but are influenced by political considerations.
The Chief Minister claimed that attempts are being made to mislead tribal students and create divisions within indigenous communities by politicizing the script issue. He urged students and community members to remain vigilant against what he termed “negative political motives” and to focus instead on education, development and constructive social engagement.
“The future of our students should not be affected by divisive politics. We must remain united and work together for progress, education and nation-building,” he said.
Dr. Saha further called upon tribal youth to play a positive role in society and contribute to the development of the state. He stressed the importance of education, skill development and social harmony in achieving long-term progress for indigenous communities.
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The Kokborok script issue has remained a subject of debate in Tripura for several decades. While one section of the community advocates the use of the Roman script, others support the continued use of the Bengali script. The issue has frequently generated public discussions, protests and political debate, reflecting differing viewpoints within society.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government's primary concern is the overall growth and strengthening of the Kokborok language rather than divisions over script-related issues. He stated that efforts are being made to promote the language through educational initiatives, cultural programmes and institutional support.
Participants at the conference also discussed issues concerning tribal education, youth empowerment and community development. Speakers emphasized the need to create greater opportunities for tribal students and encourage their active participation in social and developmental initiatives.
The conference concluded with a call for unity among tribal communities and a renewed focus on educational advancement and social progress. Organizers said the event was aimed at empowering students and encouraging them to contribute positively to society while preserving their cultural identity.
Dr. Saha reiterated that the state government would continue working for the welfare of tribal communities and the promotion of Kokborok, while urging students to remain focused on building a brighter future through education, unity and constructive engagement.
