East Twipra

On March 25 (Tuesday), TIPRA Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma of 24-Ramchandraghat (ST) Constituency raised a significant question in the Tripura Legislative Assembly. Addressing Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, he inquired whether there were any plans to cancel the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status of tribal women who marry non-tribal men.

This question was raised on the third day of the Assembly's Budget Session, which will continue until April 1. However, this is not the first time the issue has surfaced in public discourse. Previously, TTAADC's Education and Kokborok Department EM Rabindra Debbarma brought up the same concern in the district council. Additionally, IPFT (Tipraha) in 2018 also highlighted the matter in one of their press briefings. What makes this development noteworthy is that this is the first instance of the issue being raised within the Tripura Legislative Assembly (TLA).

The debate over the ST status of tribal women who marry outside their community is not unique to Tripura. In Northeastern states, this has been an ongoing discussion. In 2022, Government of Arunachal Pradesh announced similar approach to be implemented. Even the Meghalaya Assembly has witnessed debates and bills being passed on the matter. Advocates for such a law argue that preserving tribal culture and tradition requires ensuring that tribal women marry within their community. To discourage inter-community marriages, they believe revoking ST status could serve as a deterrent.

However, the issue has sparked controversy and criticism. Many call out the hypocrisy of such a proposal, as tribal men who marry non-tribal women do not face the same consequences. Critics argue that if the goal is to protect tribal identity, then why does the rule apply only to women? Supporters of inter-community marriages highlight biological and genetic diversity benefits, while opponents claim the real concern is inheritance and land ownership. In tribal areas, non-tribal individuals cannot legally own land, and some fear that through marriage, non-tribal men could indirectly gain control over tribal property. This fear has fueled demands to strip ST status from tribal women who marry non-tribal men.

Despite repeated discussions, tribal women in Tripura who marry non-tribal men continue to retain their ST status. Whether a law will be enacted to change this remains uncertain. However, given the growing debate, this issue is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
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#easttwipra #tripuraassembly #tribal #ststatus #revokeST #nontribal #stcertificate #tripura #tiprasa #motha #tipramotha

1 year ago | [YT] | 2

East Twipra

The Twipra Students' Federation (TSF) has called for an indefinite statewide strike starting March 21 in protest against the state government's continuous refusal to provide Kokborok subject question papers in Roman script for both CBSE and TBSE board exams.

TSF has urged both students and their guardians to boycott the Class 12 CBSE Kokborok exam scheduled for March 21.

TSF's General Secretary, Mr. Hamlu Jamatia, announced the strike in a press conference on Thursday, stating that it will continue until the demand for the Roman script for Kokborok is met.

He has urged students, guardians, and all tribal communities, including non-Kokborok-speaking tribes, to stand in solidarity with the movement.

The strike is expected to take place across the state in various locations. Markets and roads in hill district areas will likely remain closed, and all national highways passing through TTAADC will be blocked.

All major roads leading to general areas are expected to be completely shut down. Several educational institutions in ADC areas will remain closed, and access to examination centers will be limited.

The demand for the Roman script for Kokborok is one of the longest-standing demands of the Tiprasa people. Many see this strike as inevitable, given the state government's persistent refusal to provide question papers in the Roman script for Kokborok exams. Some believe this could be the decisive movement to achieve the Roman script for Kokborok, while others speculate that it may end like previous protests—without a concrete resolution.

But what happens next remains to be seen.
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#easttwipra #kokborok #tsf #tsfmmovement #kokborokscript #romanscriptforkokborok #tripura #indefinatestrike #romanscript

1 year ago | [YT] | 2

East Twipra

#opinionated
On Monday, Class 10 CBSE students appeared for their board examination in Kokborok subject. However, many struggled to read the question paper, which was written in Bengali script. They were unprepared for this, as most had studied Kokborok in Roman script, expecting the question paper to be in the same. To their shock, it was not. As a result, many found it difficult to answer the questions properly, leaving much of their paper blank.

So, we ask—who is responsible for this mishap? Have we failed our students? Have we failed their hopes and aspirations?

No one was demanding for the status quo. Since 2015, the unwritten policy of the Tripura government allowed students to write their Kokborok board exam answers in either Bengali or Roman script, with invigilators evaluating both. However, in 2024, the TBSE President openly declared a halt to this policy, mandating that only the Bengali script be used in board examinations, since CBSE relied on TBSE for overall conduct of Kokborok Subject, the policy effected in the case of CBSE too. This decision inevitably sparked mass protests, which ultimately reinstated the same unwritten policy from 2015—thus maintaining the status quo.

This meant it brought no real progress, yet it was celebrated as a significant achievement by many so-called Tiprasa politicians. However, many Tiprasa intellectuals and student leaders were not satisfied with the announcement because they knew it offered nothing new. Despite this, it was heavily marketed as a resolution to the Kokborok script issue.

That year, the board examination proceeded as usual. The question paper was in Bengali script, but many students wrote their answers in Roman script, as interpreters were available in most exam centers. This gave some students hope that the next year’s question paper would also be available in Roman script—an expectation fueled by misleading claims.

When the next year arrived, only the Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF) was seen protesting during the Tripura Legislative Assembly’s winter session, urging legislators to raise the issue. Yet, only one Tiprasa MLA stood up for the cause. Due to a lack of proper awareness, many students prepared for their Kokborok exam in Roman script, assuming the question paper would be in Roman as well. But to their shock, the paper was still in Bengali.

This especially affected CBSE students, who were unprepared for Bengali script and struggled to understand the questions—let alone answer them properly. Many examination centers also lacked interpreters, as there were too few Tiprasa or Kokborok teachers available to assist students. As a result, numerous students found themselves stuck, unable to answer the questions because they simply could not read the script.

So, have we failed them? The answer is yes.

We, the advocates of Kokborok in Roman script, have failed our students because we did not exert enough pressure on the racist state government to accept our demand. The so-called dealmakers failed to secure Roman script in their negotiations. As a society, we failed to stand up for the Kokborok Roman script movement, choosing instead to remain passive, confined to social media comments.

Yes, we have all failed our students.
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#easttwipra #kokborok #romanscript #tiprasa #tripura #cbse #tbse #tsf #kokborokscript #boardexams #studentissues

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

East Twipra

Season 1 of the TTAADC Super League has finally reached near to its closure. The league, which began on December 7, 2024, has now reached its final stage. A total of 10 teams participated in the competition: Gomati Tuskers, Sepahijala Tigers, Unakoti Challengers, South Lions, West Vikings, Khowai Warriors, West Royals, Dhalai Antlers, North Panthers, and Gomati Gladiators. Among them West Vikings and Dhalai Antlers emerged as the top contenders, securing their spots in the finals.

The final match of the League will be played between West Vikings and Dhalai Antlers on March 22, 2025, at Khumulwng Stadium from 2 PM Onwards.

To grace the occasion, the TTAADC Super League has invited two distinguished guests: Mr. Mandar Tamhane, CEO of Northeast United FC, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Juan Pedro Benali, Head Coach of Northeast United FC, as the Guest of Honour.

The TTAADC Super League has proven to be a significant step in promoting football in Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). With much success of its inaugural season, the tournament has set the stage for future editions that will further foster local talent and football infrastructure.

As the countdown to the final begins, football fans eagerly await the moment when the champions of Season 1 will be crowned. Will West Vikings claim victory, or will Dhalai Antlers rise to the occasion? The answer awaits on March 22, 2025, at Khumulwng Stadium.
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#easttwipra #ttaadcsuperleaguefinal #northeastunitedfc #mandartamhane #juanpedrobenali #khumulwngfinale #TripuraFootball #khumulwng #agartala #NorthEastIndia #neufc #tripura

1 year ago | [YT] | 4

East Twipra

The 70th National Film Awards for 2022 highlighted the rising prominence of Tiwa cinema. Tiwa films bagged multiple awards, including the Best Tiwa Film in the Category of Best Feature Film in the languages other than those specified in Schedule VIII of the Constitution for "SIKAISAL (If Only Trees Could Talk)," directed by Dr. Bobby Sarma Baruah, and two special mentions for non-feature films. This success is not a solo incident, the previous year, Tiwa cinema was also recognized with the Best Anthropological Film award for "Fire on Edge" where was directed by Sujit Debbarma and Pranab Jyoti Deka.

In contrast, Kokborok cinema's last significant recognition at the National Film Awards was for "YARWNG (Roots)" directed by Fr. Joseph Pulinthanath Under the banner of Don Bosco Sampari Pictures, which won the Best Kokborok Film in the same category as of "SIKAISAL". Before that, 'Mathia (The Bangle)' (2003), another film by Fr. Joseph Pulinthanath, also received immense recognition both nationally and internationally. However, Kokborok films have struggled to maintain this momentum in the years that followed.

Kokborok Films after 'MATHIA' and 'YARWNG' shifted their focus more toward commercial aspects rather than artistic ones. This led to the inclusion of over-the-top comedy and action scenes, eventually contributing to the decline of Kokborok cinema. Another factor is the lack of interest among Kokborok speakers in watching Kokborok films. Many Kokborok speakers are not even aware of the films being made and released, which has demotivated filmmakers from continuing to produce or make feature films.

Currently, the only genre of Kokborok films that has managed to thrive is short comedy sketches, often labeled as 'short films.' These sketches garner millions of views on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. But In the realm of well-made feature films, Kokborok cinema has only seen a decline in quality. This raises the question: What Can Kokborok Films Learn from Tiwa Cinema?

Read here - www.easttwipra.in/2024/08/what-can-kokborok-films-…
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Kokbwkhal by Abel Debbarma, @indepthwithabel

#easttwipra #KokborokCinema #TiwaCinema #KokborokFilms #TiwaFilms #NortheastFilms #CulturalNarratives #FilmAwards #NationalFilmAwards #IndigenousStories

1 year ago | [YT] | 3

East Twipra

The Ministry of Education has announced the cancellation of the UGC-NET June 2024 examination. The decision follows indications that the examination, held on June 18, 2024, may have been compromised. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the UGC-NET June 2024 Examination in OMR (pen and paper) mode across various cities in the country. However, on June 19, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) received inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs. These inputs suggested that the integrity of the examination might have been compromised.

In response, the Ministry of Education decided to cancel the examination to maintain the highest level of transparency and sanctity in the examination process. A fresh examination will be scheduled, and information shall be shared separately, The Ministry has reasserted its commitment to safeguarding the interests of students and ensuring the sanctity of examinations. Strict action will be taken against any individual or organization found to be involved in compromising the examination's integrity.

This year's UGC-NET exam saw a significant turnout, with 11,21,225 candidates registered, including 6,35,587 female students, 4,85,579 male students, and 59 third-gender candidates. Out of the total, 9,08,580 candidates, representing 81% of the registrants, appeared for the exam.

However, The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. The government assures that all necessary steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future and protect the interests of students.
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#easttwipra #UGCNETScandal #EducationCrisis2024 #ExamsUnderScrutiny #NTAAccountability #StopExamLeaks #ministryofeducation #jrf

1 year ago | [YT] | 1

East Twipra

In a series of unfortunate events, the much anticipated written examination for the post of Sub Zonal Development Officer/ Deputy Principle Officer of TTAADC, previously scheduled for June 9 after several rescheduling was postponed after the answer key got leaked, leading to widespread disappointment and frustration among candidates.

On Tuesday, the newly reconstituted recruitment board, under the chairmanship of Mr. Budhilian Hrangkhawl, tasked with managing the examination process, announced a new date. The exam was set for July 14. However, this decision was quickly met with criticism due to conflicting dates with the UPSC Combined Medical Examination. Additionally, logistical issues, such as the unavailability of proposed examination centers in Agartala City, further complicated matters. Consequently, the board had to reschedule the exam once more, this time setting it for July 21.

This sequence of events has highlighted the apparent inexperience and mismanagement within the new TTAADC recruitment board. Candidates and observers alike have pointed out the lack of due diligence in checking for scheduling conflicts before announcing new dates. This oversight is not an isolated incident, a similar issue arose previously with another UPSC examination, underscoring a pattern of negligence.

Despite these setbacks, the recruitment board has also issued several important clarifications in their latest notification:

➤ No new admit cards will be issued to the candidates,
➤ Question papers will be in the form of MCQ's as notified earlier but OMR sheets will be used for answer sheets.
➤ Syllabus of the exam will remain unchanged as notified earlier.
➤ Interview/Personality test marks will consist of 15% of the written examination marks.
➤ The interview / Personality test of the qualified candidates will be conducted under CCTV surveillance.

Update: This date too is likely to be changed as it is conflicting with B.Ed examination routine. Hopefully the new scheduled dates will be notified again.
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#easttwipra #ttaadc #SZDO #subzdo #tripura #ttaadcjobrecruitment #answerkeyleakscam

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

East Twipra

TTAADC ni Sub Zonal Development Officer tei Deputy Principle Officer no recruit khlainani bagwi 9 June'o amjokmung naharjakna tongmani, abo salsa swkangno Answer Key Leak wngma bai sakhlaimung sarokjakya jora amjokmungno mwthagwi tongjakmani, aboni twywi kraksalo Khumulwngo kaisa press meet khlaywi TTAADC ni kwtal Recruitment Board amjokmungni kwtal salmari no sakhlai rwkha.

Amjokmungni bagwi 14 July ni salmari no chongwi naharjakha, tei abo bai baksa-baksa tei kubuni kokrokno twywi bo swrai-swrai khlaijakha.

1) Kwtal Admit Card sarokjagwlak, swkangno sarokmano phwnangjak phinai.

2) Question Paper MCQ no tongnai, phiya answer sheet ni bagwi OMR sheet no samungo phwnangjaknai.

3) Syllabus swlaijakya, swkangni haino tongnai.

4) Interview eba Personality Test ni Marks, written amjokmungni 15% wngnai (written 100 marks ni hwnkhe aboni 15%, 15 marks ni wngnai), swkango sakhlaijakma hai 50 marks ni tongwlak.
Qualified Candidate rokni Interview/Personality Test CCTV naichomung ni bisingo khlaijaknai.

5) Bebak nangkukma Paper (Question Paper no khobwi) kaisa Strongroom'o tongnijaknai abo Security Guard rok bai naikoljak wngnai tei 24/7 CCTV ni naichomungo tonijaknai.

Swkango wngma hai tei tawngthung hwnwi no O yaprirok sejakha, tei tabukni simi bwskangni amjokmungrogo bo obotwi hai kwrak naichomung tonganw hwnwi TTAADC Recruitment Board ni Chairman Takhuk Budhilian Hrangkhawl sakha.
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#easttwipra #kokborok #koktwma #ttaadc #subzdo #answerkeyleak

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

East Twipra

Sal kwdwkma romwi aswk tungphlama yagulo, May 1 ni simi May 3 jora Tripura'o kwbang eba belai kwbang watwi-nobar nukjagwi manu hwnwi India Meteorological Department (IMD) ni kwtal press release ni bisingtwi saimankha. O jora'o average 28.8 mm ni watwi kwlai manu.
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#easttwipra #kokborok #rainfall #tripura #imd #koktwma #weatherforecast #tripuraweather

1 year ago | [YT] | 2

East Twipra

The recent video circulating on social media, allegedly showing Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaking about scrapping SC/ST/OBC reservation, has been proven to be doctored and fake. In the original video, Amit Shah was addressing a rally in Telangana, where he actually talked about scrapping reservation for Muslims. This video dates back to last year during the Telangana State Election.

However, this manipulated video has reignited a debate on the caste-based reservations outlined in our constitution. It remains one of the most significant issues in the nation, yet no political party dares to openly discuss it. Many upper caste Hindus have raised concerns and demanded the removal of caste-based reservations from the constitution. They argue that in this day and age, it is unethical, and poverty exists across all social groups. Instead, they advocate for reservation based on economic conditions, rather than caste and race.

In 1990, the Mandal Commission introduced 27% reservation for OBCs in government job sectors, which sparked discontent among upper caste Hindus during that period. Over time, there have been instances where upper caste Hindus have advocated for scrapping reservations altogether. But why is the BJP consistently alleged to want to do so?

The BJP has cultivated Hindu voters across various sections of society, including upper caste Hindus, lower caste Hindus, tribals, and OBCs. To appeal to these diverse groups, the BJP has made promises that sometimes contradict one another. Upper caste Hindus have consistently pushed for the removal of caste-based reservations, advocating instead for reservations based on economic criteria. Many BJP leaders have proposed the removal of existing reservations to please upper caste Hindu voters.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat recently stated that they have always supported quotas as mandated in the Constitution. However, the allegations against the BJP persist.

Currently, there is no threat to existing reservations, despite the manipulated video. The BJP has not officially proposed any changes to the existing SC/ST/OBC reservation. However, only time will reveal the party's stance in the long run.
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Follow @indepthwithabel and @easttwipra.in

#bjp #screservation #streservation #amitshah #fakevideo #scrapreservationofscstobc #obc #uppercaste #indialliance #modi

1 year ago | [YT] | 0