Koraput: Amid continuous dispute over the Kotia region between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, the tribal welfare, women and child development minister of the neighbouring state, Gummidi Sandhya Rani, on Wednesday visited Neredibalsa village under Kotia gram panchayat of Pottangi block, and inaugurated a road connecting Dandi village.The minister’s visit was accompanied by extensive security arrangements made by Andhra Pradesh police. Security personnel were deployed at key locations, while a strong presence was maintained at the meeting venue.A public meeting was also attended by the local residents, during which she highlighted various welfare and development initiatives being implemented by the Andhra Pradesh govt in the border villages.Addressing the gathering at Neredibalsa, Sandhya Rani launched a sharp attack on the Koraput district administration and Odisha police, alleging that people associated with Andhra Pradesh govt programmes were being harassed.“Officials are forcing Kotia residents to avail benefits under Odisha govt schemes. Beneficiaries who have opted for Andhra Pradesh welfare programmes are being subjected to unnecessary harassment,” the minister alleged, saying such actions are unacceptable. The rights and welfare of the people must be protected, she added.The minister also directed police to take appropriate action in response to complaints of harassment, asserting that the Andhra Pradesh govt would continue to stand by the people of the region.Responding to the allegations, a senior Koraput district official said the Odisha govt has been continuously implementing development and welfare programmes in Kotia.“All development activities in Kotia are being taken care of by the Odisha govt. Residents are benefiting from various state and central schemes, and the administration remains committed to their welfare. Any statements made by visiting leaders will not affect the pace of development work in the region,” the official said, adding that infrastructure, education, healthcare and livelihood initiatives are being implemented across the Kotia panchayat and would continue without interruption.Meanwhile, Sandhya Rani also interacted with the villagers and sought feedback on various welfare and development programmes being implemented by the Andhra Pradesh govt.The Kotia region, claimed by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, has remained a sensitive area for years, with both states undertaking welfare and development activities in the villages falling within the disputed territory.The Kotia border dispute has remained unresolved for decades.
