Decolonizing Kokborok: the politics of script in Tripura

The script debate for Kokborok, the Indigenous language of the Tiprasa people in Tripura, India is more than a linguistic issue – it is a struggle for identity, cultural preservation, and self-determination. While the state enforces the Bengali script, widespread support exists for the Roman script, seen as both linguistically suitable and a symbol of Indigenous resistance. This article examines the historical roots of script imposition, its socio-political implications, and the ongoing movement challenging linguistic hegemony. By analysing the role of political parties, grassroots activism, and educational impact, this study underscores how script choice becomes a battleground for cultural assertion and decolonial resistance in Northeast India.