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Kotia tense ahead of AP local polls
In Short
The mobilisation follows renewed concerns over Andhra Pradesh’s expanding electoral and administrative footprint in Neridivalasa village, where voting is scheduled for Thursday.
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Kotia tense ahead of AP local polls
Koraput: Tensions flared in the disputed Kotia border region on Tuesday as Odisha deployed administrative and police reinforcements to counter Andhra Pradesh’s upcoming rural elections. The mobilisation follows renewed concerns over Andhra Pradesh’s expanding electoral and administrative footprint in Neridivalasa village, where voting is scheduled for Thursday.
In a significant development, the Odisha police, led by SDPO Sanjay Kumar Mandal, reclaimed a premises in Upar Sembi village that was allegedly being used as an unauthorised outpost by Andhra Pradesh personnel. Following the swift intervention, the neighboring state’s police force vacated the building and withdrew from the area.
Meanwhile, the Koraput district administration has intensified efforts to prevent residents of Kotia from participating in the proposed Andhra Pradesh’s local election, with officials and local representatives reportedly seeking to persuade voters against taking part in the exercise.
On Tuesday, an estimated 1,500 women and men, accompanied by elected representatives and members of various organisations, reportedly travelled by bus from Pottangi, Semiliguda, Nandapur, Lamtaput and Koraput blocks to the border villages of Fatusineri, Neridivalasa and Phagusenari. The mobilisation, largely involving women, was presented as an effort to protect Odisha’s territorial interests and reinforce the State’s presence in the disputed region. Participants reportedly engaged with local residents while maintaining a presence along the border. However, the situation at Fatusineri remained sensitive, with reports of a brief confrontation between local residents and Odisha police amid heightened security arrangements.
Senior leader Jayaram Pangi asserted that the region belonged to Odisha and declared that there would be no compromise over its territorial claims. “Kotia is ours, and we will not compromise,” Pangi reportedly said, reflecting the determination of local political leaders to resist what they perceive as Andhra Pradesh’s attempts to extend its administrative influence into the region. His remarks underscore the political sensitivity surrounding Kotia, where competing administrative claims have repeatedly brought the two States into confrontation.
Amid heightened security and mobilisation, reports have emerged that Andhra Pradesh may consider shifting the proposed polling booth from Neridivalasa to another location. The possibility, however, remains unconfirmed.
