After repeated intrusions in Kotia gram panchayat in Koraput district, the Andhra government's attempt to intrude into Gajapati district in Odisha has added fuel to the fire.
Triggering a fresh controversy, Andhra Pradesh officials reportedly intruded into villages of Gangabada panchayat under Rayagada block in Gajapati district and carried out some land verification.
According to sources, when the locals opposed the Andhra officials, they allegedly threatened the villagers.
Andhra has been long trying to encroach into several villages of the bordering district due to alleged apathy of the district administration and the State government, sources informed.
It is worthwhile to mention here that the Gajapati district administration had long assured to provide land to the local residents, but the promise is yet to be fulfilled. Taking advantage of the situation, the neighbouring state is attempting to encroach, locals alleged.
“We were promised land by the Gajapati district administration. But nothing has happened as of yet,” alleged a local resident.
“The Andhra government is trying to snatch the rights of the residents of the region. The Odisha government must oppose this.
This is not just a border dispute. The government should take necessary measures to safeguard the rights of the locals,” said Bijay Patnaik, Odisha Congress leader.
“Some Andhra officials visited the village and were carrying out land verification. They returned after finding the region not within their jurisdiction,” said Balaya Palka, Gangabada revenue inspector.