Kotia row: Infiltration into disputed area continues as Andhra sets up Aadhaar camp 

Andhra Pradesh is still going on its own way when it comes to Kotia region in Koraput district. The infiltration of the neighbouring state into this disputed land still continues. In the latest instance, it has set up an Aadhaar card camp in the region. 

According to a source, on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh government, an Aadhaar camp was set up at Tala Sembi village of Kotia Panchayat. The Parvathipuram Manyam district administration is managing the camp, set up at a resident’s house. It will remain open for the next 10 days. 

The people of the village and neighbouring villages are making a beeline at the camp to get new Aadhaar cards and to do some changes in their old cards, the source added. 

The last time when the apple of discord between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh was in news was on April 1, the Foundation Day of Odisha. 

On the occasion, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with six BJP MLAs visited Phatusineri area of Kotia Panchayat. During his stay, the Minister came across some administrative officials and police personnel from Andhra Pradesh in the area. 

He confronted them and asked them about the reason for their visit. The officials said that 21 villages in Kotia belong to Andhra Pradesh. But the minister told them frankly that Kotia belongs to Odisha only. He then asked the officials to go back by giving the slogan ‘Andhra go back’ along with his supporters.