Kotia Dispute / Odisha Committed to Permanent Resolution of Kotia Dispute, Says Minister Suresh Pujari

Bhubaneswar, Oct 21: Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Tuesday conducted a review of the long-pending Kotia border dispute and reaffirmed the State government's commitment to protecting Odisha's territorial interests through legal and administrative measures.

The review comes in the wake of Andhra Pradesh's move to announce panchayat elections in certain villages under Kotia Gram Panchayat in Koraput district.

During a virtual meeting attended by Advocate General Pitambar Acharya and senior government officials, Pujari stressed the need to expedite all necessary legal proceedings and strengthen Odisha's administrative presence in the border region. He sought detailed legal advice on the course of action required to safeguard the State's interests and ensure a durable resolution of the dispute.

Government Response

According to officials, the Minister directed the administration to closely monitor developments following Andhra Pradesh's notification relating to panchayat elections in parts of Kotia Gram Panchayat under Pottangi block of Koraput district.

Pujari said maintaining peace, stability and public confidence in the area, while safeguarding Odisha's legal rights, remained the State government's priority. He asserted that the government was committed to pursuing all appropriate legal and constitutional remedies to secure a lasting solution to the issue.

The Kotia Issue

Kotia, a cluster of villages located in Odisha’s Koraput district along the Andhra Pradesh border, has been at the centre of an inter-State territorial dispute for decades. The matter has remained the subject of legal proceedings and administrative engagements between the two States.

The Minister noted that a case relating to the boundary dispute filed by the then Odisha government in 2006 was dismissed by the Supreme Court. Subsequent review and curative petitions were also rejected. In 2022, the previous State government filed a fresh case, which is currently pending before the apex court.

The dispute gained renewed attention in February 2021 when Andhra Pradesh conducted panchayat elections in the contested villages. Odisha subsequently moved the Supreme Court alleging violation of court directions and filed a contempt-related petition.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Reasserts Odisha’s Claim over Kotia

Legal and Administrative Measures

Emphasising the sensitivity of the issue, Pujari said any resolution must be based on legal evidence, historical documents, census data and administrative records. He underscored the need for close coordination among legal experts, government departments and district authorities.

The Minister directed the Revenue Department's Additional Chief Secretary and the Koraput Collector to provide all necessary records and assistance to the Advocate General to facilitate effective legal representation.

He also reiterated the government's focus on ensuring uninterrupted delivery of welfare schemes, public services and infrastructure projects in Kotia. A committee constituted under his chairmanship, as per the Chief Minister's directions, has been regularly reviewing developmental activities in the region.

Advocate General Pitambar Acharya, Additional Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar Padhee, senior Revenue Department officials, the Southern Revenue Divisional Commissioner, and the Koraput Collector and Superintendent of Police attended the meeting through video conference.