Despite Sec 144, Protests Intensify Against Mega Drinking Water Project In Odisha’s Kendrapara

Amid the ongoing dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over the Kotia region, reports have emerged that people of Kotia in Odisha are being lured by the neighboring state with new means. There are reports that Andhra Pradesh is now offering reservation in education for children in Kotia. Sources said that the Sarpanch of Ganjeipada, who has been elected by Andhra Pradesh, has demanded reservation for girl children of Kotia at an Andhra government school, located at P-Konavalasa near Salur.

The Sarpanch has reportedly written a letter in this regard to the government of Andhra Pradesh. Following these reports, a closed-door meeting was held between the Koraput Superintendent of Police (SP), Additional Collector and Pottangi Block Development Officer (BDO).

It is pertinent to mention that earlier as well Andhra Pradesh had tried to lure the villagers of Kotia to join them. Establishment of a mobile health unit and free health care services at doorstep have been some of the past attempts by Andhra officials to attract the villagers of Kotia.