Tripura Govt Proposes Hindi as Language for TV News Over Kokborok

File photo of Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb.

(Photo: Twitter/@BJPBiplab)

The Bharatiya Janata Party-Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (BJP-IPFT) ruling alliance in Tripura faced severe criticism on Saturday, 5 May, after the government put forth a proposal to replace Kokborok with Hindi as the second language for news channels, in a bid to promote nationalism.

The proposal reportedly said that apart from promoting nationalism, it would also enable people from other states to understand news that was local to Tripura. Kokborok is the second official language of the state.

A Hindustan Times reports states that the proposal was mentioned in a document from the state’s information and cultural affairs department. The document reportedly mentions the minutes of the meeting which was held on 6 April.

According to the HT report, the proposal has received backlash from both the CPI(M) and the Congress. The CPI(M) condemned the proposal for suggesting that Hindi be promoted at the cost of Kokborok.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Radhacharan Debbarma from the party’s indigenous wing, Tripura Upajati Gana Mukti Parisahd, said:

Hindi may be promoted as third official language but the regional languages should also be given due importance. We strongly oppose the ruling government’s decision.

Radhacharan Debbarma, CPI(M)’s Tripura Upajati Gana Mukti Parisahd

Similarly, the Congress too hit out at the government’s proposal, demanding it be withdrawn.

Congress’ Dinesh Debbarma told HT:

The IPFT should be ashamed of supporting the decision.

Dinesh Debbarma, Congress

The IPFT meanwhile has reportedly denied being aware of any such proposal.

The director in-charge of information and cultural affairs department told the daily that Kokborok news would continue to be broadcast in the five news channels that have slots for the same.