Kotia villagers to put forth their 'wish list' before Odisha Govt

Koraput: Tribals of disputed Kotia panchayat in Pottangi block of Koraput district on Sunday expressed their willingness to put forth their demands before Odisha government.

At a press conference organised by a social forum 'Ama Kotia', the villagers put forth some demands before the Odisha government.

Convenor of the forum Gadadhar Parida informed that they will meet the Koraput Collector on Monday and submit a memorandum addressing the State Government to start renovation of a road built in the British era, besides several other demands.

The forum is also demanding for the renovation of a 15 kilometres stretch road near Pottangi Tehsil office.

Parida pointed out that renovation of the road will check the intrusion of Andhra Pradesh into the disputed villages of Koraput as people would no more have to go via the neighbouring State to reach Koraput, once the road project is ready.

He also stated that the road will also reduce the distance from Kotia to Koraput by atleast 15 kilometres.

Andhra Pradesh has been reportedly trying to lure the villagers of Kotia since long.

On January 10, some officials from Andhra Pradesh accompanied by Vijayanagaram Collector had distributed blankets and solar lights in Kotia and nearby villages.

Similarly on February 5, Andhra officials had set up an enrolment center as part of its strategy to assist Kotia villagers to get Aadhaar cards.

The Andhra Pradesh Government has also taken up construction of roads in one or two villages of Kotia panchayat, in an alleged move to gain support of the villagers.