Odisha Deploys Eight Police Platoons in Kotia Amid Renewed Border Tensions with Andhra Pradesh
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified security arrangements in the disputed Kotia region of Koraput district by deploying eight additional police platoons amid renewed tensions over reported electoral activities by Andhra Pradesh authorities in the area.
According to Suresh Pujari, Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, the move aims to maintain law and order and safeguard the state’s interests in the long-standing inter-state border dispute.
The minister said Odisha is closely monitoring developments in the region following reports that Andhra Pradesh is attempting to conduct local election-related activities in villages claimed by both states.
He asserted that the Odisha government would oppose any such measures and ensure that the state’s administrative authority is protected.
Officials from the state administration, Odisha Police, and leaders across political parties are reportedly keeping a close watch on the situation.
The government has strengthened surveillance not only in Kotia but also in other sensitive border locations to prevent any untoward incidents.
The Odisha government has alleged that Andhra Pradesh’s actions violate directions of the Supreme Court regarding the disputed territory.
In response, the state plans to take up the matter with the Union Government and seek its intervention to prevent further escalation.
Odisha has also called for dialogue between the two states to address the issue through established legal and administrative channels.
The Kotia border dispute has remained a contentious issue for decades, with both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh claiming jurisdiction over several villages in the region.
The latest security deployment reflects Odisha’s determination to maintain peace while asserting its position in the ongoing territorial dispute.
