Odisha Reacts to Andhra Pradesh’s ‘Provocative Acts’ in Kotia
Minister told reporters If Kotia is targeted with ill intent or political motives, the Odisha government will take strict action
Bhubaneswar: Odisha law minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Friday sought to issue a cautionary note to Andhra Pradesh, accusing it of fuelling unnecessary tension in the Kotia region by sending officials without any legal mandate.
Reacting to a recent face-off involving Andhra Pradesh government officials and local residents, Harichandan asserted that Kotia has always been an integral part of Odisha and will continue to remain so. He said any attempt to disturb peace in the region for political considerations would be dealt with firmly.
“If Kotia is targeted with ill intent or political motives, the Odisha government will take strict action. We will not spare anyone who tries to create unrest in the area,” the minister told reporters.
His remarks came in the wake of an incident at Sembi village in the Kotia region, where a team of Andhra Pradesh officials allegedly entered the area to conduct an electronic survey for ration cards and Aadhaar enrolment.
The move drew strong objections from local villagers, who questioned the authority of the officials to carry out such an exercise in the disputed region. Tensions escalated briefly as residents confronted the survey team, leading to heated arguments and concerns over law and order.
Police intervention helped defuse the situation. Following warnings and mediation by the authorities, the Andhra Pradesh officials were reportedly compelled to withdraw from the village. Officials said normalcy was subsequently restored, with police maintaining a watch to prevent further escalation.
