ABSU Chief Alleges Discrimination at 'Bagurumba Dwhou' Event in Sarusajai

Guwahati: All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) President Dipen Boro on Sunday night voiced displeasure over alleged mismanagement and discriminatory treatment by security personnel at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium during the 'Bagurumba Dwhou' cultural programme.

In a detailed post on Facebook, Boro described facing a “horrific situation” while attempting to enter the venue through gates 24, 24A, and 24B. According to him, Assam Police and magistrate officials denied entry even after he presented the Golden and Blue Cards issued for the Group of Ministers’ meeting.

Boro said he had informed officials that ABSU was one of the organisers of the event and that he needed to attend the welcoming and see-off programme for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite this, he alleged that his request, along with those of other invitees and VIPs at the same gate, was ignored.

Highlighting what he viewed as a cultural bias, Boro said the treatment may have been influenced by his attire. “I felt this attitude may be because I was wearing Gamusa, Aronai, and an Endi coat, instead of a western suit and tie,” he wrote, calling such behaviour “not tolerable” and warning that it could “create difference and hatred.”

Boro stressed that ABSU has a proven track record of managing large-scale events, including those attended by the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister in Kokrajhar, as well as Bodoland Mohotsav in Delhi. He asserted that ABSU volunteers can maintain crowd discipline even without police deployment.

While criticising some officials for their “disgusting behaviour,” Boro also acknowledged and praised others who managed the crowd professionally and courteously. He tagged senior authorities, including the Assam DGP and the Chief Minister’s Office, urging immediate attention to the matter.

Despite the reported issues, the “Bagurumba Dwhou” programme concluded successfully, with over 10,000 performers showcasing the traditional Bodo dance in front of Prime Minister Modi. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the initiative as a platform to give Bagurumba international recognition, similar to the global exposure enjoyed by Bihu and Jhumoir, and to highlight Assam’s rich cultural heritage to a worldwide audience.

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