Odisha deploys eight police platoons to Kotia amid border dispute
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed the deployment to monitor security and prevent alleged electoral activities by Andhra Pradesh in the disputed area.
Odisha has moved eight additional police platoons to the Kotia belt in Koraput to manage a border dispute with Andhra Pradesh, according to reports by The Samaja and Kalinga TV. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed the deployment on Wednesday.
The move follows reports that local villagers removed election posters placed by Andhra Pradesh teams. Minister Pujari stated that the state is monitoring the situation closely and that police, administrators, and representatives from all political parties are currently stationed in the area.
The minister alleged that Andhra Pradesh has attempted to win votes from local residents through various offers. He noted that while Andhra Pradesh has previously used makeshift locations for voting, they have been unable to set up any voting booths inside the boundary this time.
Odisha has also initiated legal action against Andhra Pradesh officials, filing contempt charges in court for allegedly ignoring Supreme Court orders. The state maintains that it manages the local police, roads, and civic infrastructure in the region.
Minister Pujari said the Odisha government intends to bring the dispute to the attention of the Central government to seek a permanent resolution. The state also plans to request discussions with the Andhra Pradesh government to reach a political solution, though no timeline has been set.