Fresh Border Tensions Erupt in Disputed Kotia Region
Koraput: The long-standing border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh has flared up once again, with tensions mounting in the contested Kotia gram panchayat area. Over the past week, authorities have reported three separate instances of intrusion by officials and political workers from Andhra Pradesh, reigniting concerns about sovereignty and administrative control in this sensitive border region.
Recent Incidents Escalate Border Conflict
On Thursday, several officials from Andhra Pradesh entered Upper Sembi village, one of the 21 disputed villages in the Kotia region, and began conducting surveys for distributing ration cards and Aadhaar-linked benefits issued by their state. This move appeared to be a deliberate attempt to attract local residents with promises of government benefits. Upon receiving information about this activity, police from the Kotia panchayat headquarters immediately rushed to Upper Sembi and instructed the Andhra officials to cease their activities and vacate the area.
This incident follows two earlier provocations during the same week. On January 24, just one day before the scheduled visit of Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, supporters allegedly affiliated with the Andhra Pradesh government damaged a ceremonial canopy that had been erected for Singh Deo's program at Upper Sembi. The deputy chief minister had planned to lay the foundation stone for a power substation during his visit.
Then, on January 27, leaders and workers of the Jana Sena Party from Andhra Pradesh reportedly entered Upper Sembi and conducted a public meeting. This action was widely interpreted as an open challenge to both the Odisha government and local block administration, further intensifying tensions in the already volatile border area.
Political Reactions and Accusations
Former Koraput MP Jayaram Pangi responded sharply to these developments, accusing the Odisha government of failing to resolve the long-pending border issue. "Kotia is an integral part of Odisha," Pangi asserted. "But the state government has completely failed to address the problem. The increasing interference by Andhra Pradesh is a direct result of this inaction."
Pangi issued a stern warning that if immediate and firm steps are not taken, the situation could deteriorate further and potentially embolden Andhra Pradesh's presence in the disputed villages. He noted the political complexity of the situation, pointing out that "even though the BJP is in power in Odisha and at the Centre, and is also a coalition partner in the TDP-led government in Andhra Pradesh, there has been no serious effort to settle the Kotia dispute."
Government Response and Historical Context
In response to these allegations, Odisha's Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan firmly rejected claims of government inaction. "Kotia is an inseparable part of Odisha," Harichandan declared. "The government is strengthening administrative presence and development activities in the area. Any kind of external intrusion will not be tolerated."
The minister added that the state government is closely monitoring the situation and will implement all necessary measures to protect Odisha's interests in Kotia. This border dispute has deep historical roots, with both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh claiming sovereignty over 21 of Kotia's 28 villages. The boundary disagreement has been pending before the Supreme Court since 1968, making it one of India's longest-running interstate territorial disputes.
According to local sources, officials from Andhra Pradesh have been entering the Kotia region on various occasions to attend programs and interact with villagers, creating unease among residents and the district administration. These repeated intrusions have heightened concerns about the potential for further escalation in this strategically important border area.
