‘Kotia belongs to Odisha’: Law Minister Harichandan sends strong message to Andhra Pradesh

Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Friday issued a strong warning to Andhra Pradesh following a recent confrontation involving Andhra government officials in the Kotia region. Reacting sharply to the incident, the Law Minister accused Andhra Pradesh of creating unnecessary tension in the area without any legal authority. 

He categorically stated that Kotia has always been a part of Odisha and will continue to remain so. Addressing the media, Harichandan said that any attempt to disturb peace in Kotia for political reasons will not be tolerated.

Kotia Belongs To Odisha

“If Kotia is targeted with ill intentions and political motives, the Odisha government will take strict action. We will not spare anyone who tries to create unrest in the region,” he asserted.

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh officials face resistance in Odisha’s Kotia during ration, Aadhaar e-survey

The Minister’s remarks come in the backdrop of a recent incident in Sembi village of Kotia, where a team of Andhra Pradesh government officials allegedly entered the area to conduct an e-survey for ration cards and Aadhaar cards. 

Protest By Villagers

The move triggered strong opposition from local villagers, who objected to the presence and activities of the Andhra officials in the disputed region. Tensions escalated as villagers confronted the officials, leading to a heated face-off. 

Arguments reportedly broke out when villagers tried to stop the survey team from carrying out the exercise. The situation became tense for a brief period, raising concerns over law and order. However, timely intervention by the police helped bring the situation under control.

Following police warnings and mediation, the Andhra Pradesh survey team was forced to retreat from the village. The police presence ensured the situation did not escalate further, and normalcy was eventually restored in the area.