Border dispute between 2 Odisha villages triggers clash; police hold flag march

A flag march was conducted by the police in the Ostapur-Kotapalla area under Baghamari police station in Khordha district on Thursday, following a tense situation stemming from a border dispute between the two villages.

As per reports, the conflict escalated into violence, leading to the vandalism of local shops and markets. Around 10 to 15 shops were damaged during the clash, with incidents of stone-pelting intensifying the situation.

At least two individuals reportedly sustained injuries in the violence, and they have been admitted to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

To bring the situation under control, two platoons of police forces have been deployed in the area. Senior administrative officials, including the Tehsildar, Sub-Collector, and SDPO, are present at the scene to monitor and manage the law and order situation. 

Must Read: Boundary dispute leads to clash between 2 villages, 10 injured in Odisha

As per sources, the border dispute between the two villages has been continuing for the last seven years. However, it escalated following a heated exchange of words by some villagers from both sides on Wednesday. Though police managed to pacify both sides yesterday, the matter escalated again today, and the villagers indulged in violent activities. Around 10 to 15 shops were damaged during the clash.

As per reports, the administration reached the spot immediately and managed to pacify the situation with the help of police forces. In the first phase, discussions were held with the Kotapalla villagers, and a road blockade by more than a hundred women in the area was removed.

The administration is currently holding a discussion with Ostapur villagers. Subsequently, the administration may call the leaders from both the villages for another level of discussion later to find a solution to the matter.