Koraput: In order to thwart the repeated attempts of Andhra Pradesh to woo the people of Kotia panchayat in the district, the Odisha government has installed signages in 21 villages under the panchayat.
On the direction of the government, the district administration installed the signages written in Odia in 21 of 28 villages under Kotia panchayat by Saturday. The signages mention that the area belongs to Odisha state.
Besides, the administration has made all arrangements to organise official celebration of Independence Day to instil a sense of belongingness among the people.
It may be noted that the Andhra Pradesh government has been implementing various projects in Kotia to woo its population and had even conducted panchayat elections there in April leading Odisha to challenge it in the Supreme Court.
The apex court had issued notice to Andhra Pradesh government on the Odisha plea which sought initiation of contempt of court proceedings against neighbouring state for violation of status quo agreed upon by the two states more than 50 years ago.
