Agartala, March 21, 2025: The statewide blockade of roads and railways called by the Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF), the student wing of Tipra Motha Party has brought daily life to a standstill across multiple regions in Tripura. The blockade was held demanding the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language in secondary and higher secondary examinations led to severe disruptions in transportation, office work and even crucial school examinations.

From early Friday morning, Tipra Motha workers began picketing at key locations including Circuit House in Agartala city, Khowai, Raishyabari, Amarpur, Gandacherra, Ambassa, and Longtharai Valley subdivisions to enforce the bandh. Protesters took to the streets, blocking the Agartala-Sabroom railway tracks, Assam-Agartala National Highway, and multiple railway lines in the Autonomous District Council (ADC) areas. Burning tyres and road blockades became common sights, severely affecting the movement of government employees, office-goers, and students.

One of the most affected groups was students appearing for their secondary examinations. Reports from Agartala revealed that ICSE Board candidates at Holy Cross School suffered extreme delays, with many arriving late due to the blockades. “We struggled to reach the exam center on time, and there was no assistance from the police or administration,” lamented one of the affected students. Many candidates expressed distress over the ordeal, fearing its impact on their performance.

The demand for implementing the Roman script in Kokborok examinations has been ongoing for a long time. TSF leaders have repeatedly urged the government to address the issue, having submitted deputations to the Chief Minister, the Board President, and the Governor. However, with no action taken, the organization escalated its agitation by announcing an indefinite blockade of the national highway.

As a result, Gandacherra subdivision was completely shut down, with roads in Raishyabari, Amarpur, and Ambassa witnessing massive picketing. Markets, government offices, and courts in these areas remained non-functional throughout the day. Additionally, activists of the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) extended their support to the movement, further intensifying the stir.

At several locations, including Champaknagar Sadhupara and Longtharai Valley, protestors burned tyres to enforce the bandh. In Jolaibari, agitators blocked the road, disrupting the journey of the Sabroom-Agartala DEMU Special train. Commuters, particularly those traveling long distances, faced immense hardships due to the protest.

With the strike intensifying, all eyes are now on the state government’s response. The TSF has warned that the agitation will continue until their demands are met, raising concerns over prolonged disruptions in public life.