Kokborok language row: Animesh Debbarma warns of protests over TBSE President’s comments

Tripura Leader of Opposition Animesh Debbarma has warned of potential widespread protests and disruptions in Tripura over comments made by the President of the Tripura Board of Secondary Education Dhanonjoy Ganchowdhury.

Ganchowdhury said that students appearing for Kokborok language exams will have to use the Bengali script as has been the trend since decades.

He further urged the Chief Minister to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order.
Addressing the media Debbarma emphasized the importance of maintaining the previous flexibility that allowed students to use either Bengali or Roman script for Kokborok language answers.

Debbarma said, “If Ganchowdhury has the courage he should give in writing that Roman script will not be allowed to be written during Kokborok examinations. There should be an option between both the scripts which has been always followed.”

Previously Ganchowdhury highlighted that data from previous years’ board examinations revealed that only a handful of Kokborok students opted for Roman script, while majority students chose to write in Bengali scripts.

Speaking to the media, Ganchowdhury said, “Around 1986, students had started seating for Kokborok language exams and since that time students have been answering their answer scripts in Bengali script. This is a tradition of the board that students who will appear in Kokborok language must write in Bengali script, till today this has been running.”

Meanwhile, several tribal organizations which are pro-Roman script for Kokborok have met with the TBSE president, requesting the continuation of the practice allowing Kokborok students to choose between Bengali and Roman scripts.

Also Read: Tripura opposition leader raises Kokborok subject issue in assembly

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