CM calls for Indigenous Script for Kokborok
Agartala Dec 13: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha has virtually rejected the long-standing demand for the introduction of the Roman script for the indigenous Kokborok language calling for indigenous script. According to political observers, his statement has sent a clear political message to the ruling alliance partner, the TIPRA Motha Party (TMP) who are demanding roman script.
The declaration was made on Saturday during a massive public gathering organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s tribal wing, the Janajati Morcha, in front of Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan, marking an intensified effort by the BJP to revive its tribal base ahead of the crucial Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections.
Call for Indigenous Script
Addressing the crowd, Dr. Saha questioned the logic of adopting a “foreign script” for an indigenous language. He stated that if the community is seeking an alternative to the existing Bengali or suggested Devanagari scripts, Janajati intellectuals and academics should instead develop an indigenous script for Kokborok.
The Chief Minister warned that introducing the Roman script could confuse future generations and weaken linguistic identity, citing the Chakma and Meitei communities as examples of those who developed their own scripts to preserve their cultural heritage.
BJP aiming outreach in TTAADC
Dr. Saha’s assertive remarks on the script issue come amid a broader political drive by the BJP to reassert its independent organizational presence in tribal-dominated areas.
This move follows a period of perceived organizational neglect of the Janajati Morcha, which had forced the BJP to rely heavily on ally TIPRA Motha for political traction in the hills.
Despite being part of the ruling coalition, TIPRA Motha has allegedly maintained an aggressive posture, reportedly obstructing BJP activities and attacking party workers in the ADC regions.
Revival Drive and Political Offensive
Concluding that over-dependence on its ally was politically damaging, the state BJP unit, with approval from the central leadership, has launched a full-scale revival of the Janajati Morcha. The party has been organizing daily Janajati-centric programs and outreach initiatives. As part of this renewed mobilization, Dr. Saha formally welcomed 5,050 voters from 1,706 families into the BJP during Saturday’s event.
Targeted the CPI(M): He claimed the Left used to treat Janajati voters as a “captive vote bank,” starting their election calculations from 20 Assembly seats. Dr. Saha asserted the BJP now has similar confidence, backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President J.P. Nadda.
Condemned Disruptions: Without naming TIPRA Motha, he strongly condemned repeated disruptions in ADC areas, including forced market closures, intimidation, and obstruction of political meetings. He warned that such practices would no longer be tolerated and that attacks on BJP workers only strengthen the party.
Hinted at Independent TTAADC Contest: Dr. Saha strongly hinted that the BJP will contest the upcoming TTAADC elections independently, aiming to secure all 28 seats.
The Chief Minister concluded by introducing the idea of “New Tripura,” centered on Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “New India” and uniting different communities under the concept of “Thansa” (unity). He stated that the real development of tribal communities would only be ensured under the BJP-led double-engine government.
The event was attended by BJP State President Rajib Bhattacharya, several ministers, including Santana Chakma, Sushanta Chowdhury, and Bikas Debbarma, and other senior party leaders.
What is TTAADC
The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) is the self-governing administrative body responsible for the areas predominantly inhabited by the indigenous communities of Tripura. It operates under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Core Mandate and Scope
Purpose: The Council was established with the primary goal of enabling self-governance for the Tipra people, promoting comprehensive development, and safeguarding their unique culture, traditions, and customary laws.
Geographical Area: The TTAADC jurisdiction encompasses approximately 7,132.56 square kilometers, which constitutes around 68% of Tripura’s total land area.
Administrative Hub: Its central office is located at Khumulwng, situated in the West Tripura District.
Key Responsibilities: The Council exercises substantial legislative and executive authority over several crucial local matters, including:
- Regulation and utilization of land (excluding areas classified as reserved forests).
- Management of non-reserved forest resources.
- Control over shifting cultivation (Jhum).
- Establishment and maintenance of local infrastructure, such as primary healthcare centers, schools, roads, markets, and ferries.
- The power to levy, assess, and collect specified taxes and revenues within its area.
The TTAADC is composed of a total of 30 members, referred to as Members of District Council (MDCs). This membership is divided into elected and nominated representatives
