Kotia Border Tensions Escalate as Residents Cross into Andhra Pradesh to Vote Despite Security Measures
Koraput: Fresh tensions have emerged in the long-standing border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh after residents of the disputed Kotia region crossed into Andhra Pradesh to participate in local body elections despite heightened security arrangements by Odisha authorities.
The development has triggered political controversy, with questions being raised over the effectiveness of the security deployment in the sensitive border area.
Reports indicated that several residents from Kotia travelled to Sarika on the Andhra Pradesh side to cast their votes, reigniting concerns over jurisdiction and administrative control in the disputed villages.
Ahead of the elections, the Odisha government had intensified security in the region by deploying additional police forces and enforcing prohibitory measures under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The move was aimed at preventing any law-and-order issues and discouraging cross-border electoral participation.
Reacting to the developments, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated that the state government was closely monitoring the situation.
He alleged that Andhra Pradesh authorities were encouraging tribal residents of the disputed villages to participate in the electoral process despite the ongoing legal and administrative dispute.
Political leaders in Odisha have also expressed concern, questioning how beneficiaries of Odisha government welfare schemes, public distribution services and developmental programmes continue to participate in Andhra Pradesh elections.
The Kotia region, comprising 21 disputed villages, has remained at the centre of a territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh for decades.
The issue frequently resurfaces during elections, with both states claiming administrative jurisdiction over the area.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the complexities of the unresolved border dispute and the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining the status quo while safeguarding the interests of local residents.
