Odisha moves eight extra police platoons to Kotia amid border row
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed the deployment to prevent Andhra Pradesh from holding local voting in the disputed area.
Odisha has deployed eight additional police platoons to the Kotia belt in Koraput to prevent Andhra Pradesh from conducting local voting in the disputed territory, according to Kalinga TV.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed the movement on Wednesday. He stated that local villagers have already removed election posters put up by Andhra Pradesh teams.
The state has deployed Odisha police units, local administrators, and political party representatives to camp in the area alongside residents. While Andhra Pradesh does not operate government buildings in Kotia, Odisha manages the local police setup and civic infrastructure.
Minister Pujari alleged that Andhra Pradesh has been attempting to win votes by making offers to local residents. He noted that Andhra Pradesh officials have been taken to court on contempt charges for ignoring Supreme Court orders.
The Odisha government plans to approach the central government in New Delhi to urge a political solution to the long-standing border dispute. State teams will remain on watch day and night to prevent outside voting activity on Odisha land.