TSF Road Blockade in Agartala Sparks Public Outcry Over Linguistic Demand

Agartala, March 21: The Tipra Students Federation (TSF) intensified its long-standing demand for the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language by blocking key roads in Agartala on Friday. The protest, which coincided with the commencement of the Tripura Legislative Assembly session, caused significant disruption to public life, drawing criticism from citizens and raising questions about the administration’s handling of the situation.  

The TSF, supported by regional parties and youth organizations, has been advocating for the Roman script for Kokborok for years. Following the Kokborok language examination on March 17, the group submitted a deputation to the Tripura Board of Secondary Education. Dissatisfied with the lack of response, they resorted to blocking major roads, including VIP Road and the main road leading to GB Hospital.  

The blockade led to widespread inconvenience across the city. Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, on his way to the Legislative Assembly, was forced to take an alternate route due to road closures in Kunjoban. Ambulances faced delays in reaching GB Hospital, compelling many patients to be redirected to IGM Hospital. Key routes such as Battala to Borjala Road, Post Office Chowmuhani, North Gate Road, IGM Chowmuhani, and Abhoynagar Road were paralyzed for hours, disrupting daily life.  

Air passengers missed flights, and government employees faced delays of two to three hours in reaching their offices. The public expressed frustration over the administration’s inability to manage the situation effectively. Critics argued that the government’s failure to address the issue promptly has emboldened such protests, which could have been resolved swiftly by the police.  

The protest underscores the ongoing struggle for linguistic recognition and the challenges of balancing democratic rights with public welfare. While the right to protest is fundamental in a democracy, the disruption caused by the blockade has sparked a debate about the methods employed by protestors and the administration’s role in ensuring public convenience.  

As the TSF continues to push for its demands, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for dialogue and effective governance to address such issues without compromising the daily lives of citizens.