Border row with Odisha: Andhra puts up new signage in Kotia

There is no end in sight to the border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The neighbouring state time and again made encroachment bids in different ways.

Continuing the alleged intrusion attempt, Andhra has erected a signboard at Dhuluipadar village under Kotia Panchayat in Koraput district. In the signboard, it has been written in Telugu language that land, water and forest in addition to the MGNREGA scheme of the Centre is all yours. The safety and security of these resources is in your hands.

As per reports, Andhra officials set up the signboard on Saturday evening. The sign board is carrying information about the Central scheme and the message of Andhra Chief Minister.

As per local public representatives, it’s a new trick adopted by Andhra to encroach the area.

“It’s a new conspiracy by Andhra. We strongly condemn the move. Kotia belongs to Odisha and the signboard should have been written in Odia,” said Pottangi Zilla Parishad member Tikai Gemel.

Notably, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have been locked in a bitter battle over territorial control of 21 of the 28 revenue villages in Kotia Gram Panchayat.

Though the Supreme Court has passed an order directing that the status quo to be maintained between the parties, Andhra has been continuously entering the border areas and trying to woo the local people.