Koraput, Oct 23: Amid renewed concerns over the long-standing Kotia border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, Jeypore Sub-Collector Fabi Rasheed visited around 26 villages in the region and interacted with residents to assess their concerns and review the delivery of government services.
During the visit, Rasheed toured several villages, including Neredibalsa, Upar Sembi, Talar Sembi, Madkar, Phagunaseneri and Fatuseneri. She urged residents to remain cautious about promises and inducements reportedly being offered by Andhra Pradesh representatives amid election-related activities in the border region.
The visit comes against the backdrop of renewed administrative activity in Kotia, where competing outreach efforts by the two neighbouring states have repeatedly brought the territorial dispute into focus.
Welfare Schemes and Public Grievances Reviewed
As part of the outreach programme, the Sub-Collector reviewed the implementation of government welfare schemes and the availability of public services in the villages.
Residents used the opportunity to raise local demands and discuss issues affecting their communities. The interactions also focused on awareness of government benefits and the need to ensure that eligible residents have access to available welfare programmes.
Rasheed cautioned villagers against relying on promises that may not be fulfilled and encouraged them to remain informed about the schemes and facilities available through the Odisha administration.
Students Highlight Education Concerns
Students and young residents also shared their concerns regarding education and future opportunities during the visit.
According to reports, some expressed confidence in the Odisha administration while discussing their aspirations and the challenges they face. Their concerns highlighted the importance of access to education and other essential services in the remote border villages.
Kotia Dispute Returns to Focus
Kotia, located in Koraput district, has remained at the centre of a long-running territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The issue has periodically resurfaced following visits by officials from both states and efforts to engage with residents in the area.
Recently, visits by Andhra Pradesh administrative officials to villages under the Kotia Gram Panchayat reportedly renewed tensions and prompted a response from Odisha authorities.
The latest visit by the Jeypore Sub-Collector is part of the broader administrative engagement with residents amid concerns over Andhra Pradesh’s outreach in the region.
Political Sparring Over Kotia
The dispute has also triggered a political exchange between Odisha’s ruling BJP and the opposition BJD.
The BJD accused the state government of failing to adequately protect Odisha’s interests in Kotia, alleging that the region was being allowed to slip away. The BJP countered by criticising the previous Naveen Patnaik-led government, arguing that it had failed to resolve the issue permanently during its 24 years in power.
The exchange escalated into a social media ‘cartoon war’ on X, with both parties using cartoons to attack each other over their handling of the dispute.
Focus on Residents and Local Development
Beyond the political debate, the situation in Kotia underscores the importance of sustained administrative engagement, reliable public services and attention to residents’ concerns.
The impact of the latest outreach will depend on how effectively the issues raised by villagers are addressed and whether government schemes and essential facilities reach communities across the border region.
For Odisha, maintaining regular contact with residents and strengthening access to education, welfare benefits and public services remain important aspects of its engagement in Kotia.
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