Agartala | March 3, 2026
The 52nd Martyrdom Day of Dhananjay Tripura, a pioneer of the Kokborok language movement, was observed today with solemnity and due respect at the CPIM State Headquarters in Melarmath. The event served as a reminder of the historic struggle for linguistic rights and tribal identity in Tripura.
The ceremony was attended by the Leader of the Opposition and CPIM State Secretary, Shri Jitendra Chaudhury, alongside other senior party leaders and members of the Gana Mukti Parishad (GMP).
The Legacy of a Language Martyr
Dhananjay Tripura is remembered as the first martyr of the Kokborok language movement. On March 3, 1975, during the then Congress regime, Dhananjay was killed in police firing at Jolaibari in South Tripura while participating in a peaceful rally. The protesters were demanding the recognition of Kokborok as an official state language and better facilities for indigenous education.
Key Highlights of the Memorial Event:
- Floral Tributes: Jitendra Chaudhury and other leaders laid wreaths at the portrait of the martyr, followed by a minute of silence to honor his sacrifice.
- Historical Significance: Speaking at the event, Jitendra Chaudhury highlighted that it was the Left Front government that eventually fulfilled Dhananjay’s dream by granting official status to the Kokborok language on January 19, 1979.
- Continued Struggle: The party leadership reiterated their commitment to protecting the 125th Constitutional Amendment and the cultural rights of the indigenous people.
“His Sacrifice Was Not in Vain” — Jitendra Chaudhury
Addressing the gathering and the media, Shri Jitendra Chaudhury stated that the struggle for identity and language remains relevant even today.
”Comrade Dhananjay Tripura gave his life to ensure that our mother tongue, Kokborok, gets its rightful place in our state’s administration and education. His blood did not go in vain. However, we must remain vigilant against forces that try to dilute tribal rights and the sanctity of our linguistic heritage. Our fight for the ‘Greater’ rights of the indigenous people continues,” the Leader of the Opposition remarked.
State-wide Observance
Apart from the main event at the state headquarters, ‘Martyrdom Day’ was observed across various subdivisions, including Santirbazar, Gandatwisa, and Khowai. Local CPIM and GMP units organized blood donation camps and discussions to educate the younger generation about the history of the 1975 movement.
The event concluded with a pledge to uphold the unity between the tribal and non-tribal communities of Tripura, a core ideology of the Left movement in the state.
Reported by: Tripura24.in News Desk
Location: CPIM State Office, Melarmath, Agartala
