Andhra Pradesh, which is accused of repeatedly trying to intrude into the Kotia region in Koraput district of Odisha, has again triggered a fresh row.
Andhra has put up a signboard at Dhuluipadar village under Kotia panchayat. In the signboard, it has been written in Telugu language that land, water and forest in addition to the MGNREGA scheme of the Centre is all yours. The safety and security of these resources is in your hands.
As per reports, Andhra officials set up the signboard on Saturday evening. The signboard is displaying information about the Central scheme and the message of Andhra Chief Minister.
As per local public representatives, it’s a new gimmick by Andhra Pradesh to encroach the area.
“It’s a new conspiracy by Andhra Pradesh. We strongly condemn the move. Kotia belongs to Odisha and the signboard should have been written in Odia,” said Pottangi Zilla Parishad Member Tikai Gemel.
Notably, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have been locked in a bitter battle over territorial control of 21 of the 28 revenue villages in Kotia gram panchayat.
Though the Supreme Court has passed an order directing the two parties to maintain status quo, Andhra Pradesh has been repeatedly entering the border area and trying to woo the local population.