Andhra Eyes Another Village In Koraput Area

Koraput: At a time when the standoff between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over Kotia village is yet to be resolved, the latter has once again set its eyes on another bordering village in Koraput district.

As per allegations, the neighbouring state is threatening locals of Sambai village under Pottangi Block in Koraput district to leave the area so that it can claim the village.

"We are very much worried as people from Andhra are threatening to kill and drive us away from our land," alleged a local of Sunabeda, Jagirathi Kinchaya.

Sarpanch of Sambai Pilika Guntha said that Andhra people are deliberately picking up fights with the villagers for land. "As the farm land here in Odisha is more fertile, the Andhra people are trying to annex the land by creating such nuisance," she said.

Meanwhile, Sethy Gangadhar of ST cell, Andhra Pradesh, said that he will take up the matter with the government and also with the Koraput and Visakhapatnam collectors.

Andhra had earlier tried to claim ownership of Kotia panchayat villages in Pottangi block of Koraput district. Besides, it also attempted to lure residents of some villages in Chitrakonda block in Malkangiri district by announcing welfare packages for them.

Some local residents alleged that the intrusion of Andhra continues unabated in bordering areas especially due to the Odisha government’s neglect and indifference to their issues.