All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) president Dipen Boro on Sunday night alleged discriminatory treatment by security personnel at Sarusajai Stadium during the Bagurumba Dhwou cultural programme, a marquee event held in Guwahati to celebrate Bodo heritage.
In a Facebook post, Boro said he faced what he described as a “horrific situation” while attempting to enter the venue through gates 24, 24A, and 24B to attend the programme and associated official engagements.
ABSU president Dipen Boro has alleged discrimination by security personnel at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium during the Bagurumba Dhwou event. He claimed police denied him entry despite valid passes and said he felt targeted for wearing traditional Bodo attire, raising concerns over crowd management and cultural sensitivity.
Entry Denied Despite Valid Passes
According to Boro, officers from the Assam Police and the magistrate force refused him entry even after he showed Golden and Blue Cards issued during a Group of Ministers’ meeting. He said he informed officials that ABSU was among the organisers of the mega cultural event and that he was required to attend the welcoming and see-off programme for the Prime Minister.
Despite these clarifications, Boro alleged that officials did not permit entry. He further claimed that other invitees and VIPs were also denied access at the same gate.
Allegation of Discrimination Over Traditional Attire
In his post, Boro said he felt discriminated against due to his attire. “I felt this attitude may be because I was wearing Gamsa, Aronai and an Endi coat, not a western suit and tie,” he wrote, describing the behaviour as “not tolerable.”
He warned that such actions could “create difference and hatred,” particularly at an event meant to celebrate indigenous culture in Guwahati.
ABSU Cites Experience Managing Large Events
The ABSU president pointed out that his organisation has previously managed large-scale gatherings, including events attended by the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister in Kokrajhar, as well as the Bodoland Mohotsav in Delhi. He said ABSU volunteers are capable of handling crowds in a disciplined manner, even without police deployment.
Boro also criticised what he termed “disgusting behaviour” by some officials, suggesting counselling or voluntary retirement for those involved, while acknowledging others who managed the crowd in a friendly and professional manner.
Authorities Tagged for Action
Boro said he has tagged senior authorities, including the Assam DGP and the Chief Minister’s Office, Assam, seeking attention to the incident.
As of now, there has been no official response from the police or district administration regarding the allegations.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
The incident has drawn attention to crowd management practices at major events in Guwahati, particularly those involving cultural representation and high-profile attendance. Sarusajai Stadium has increasingly become the city’s primary venue for large national and cultural programmes, making consistency and sensitivity in access protocols a growing public concern.
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether authorities will order an inquiry or issue a clarification on the allegations. Organisers and officials are expected to review entry procedures ahead of future large-scale events at Sarusajai to avoid similar controversies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What did Dipen Boro allege at the Bagurumba Dhwou event?
He alleged that security personnel denied him entry at Sarusajai Stadium despite valid passes and said he felt discriminated against for wearing traditional Bodo attire.
Q2. Has any official response been issued?
No official response from the police or administration has been issued so far regarding the allegations.