Bhubaneswar: In the wake of a confrontation between Andhra Pradesh officials and locals in Kotia region, the Odisha government on Friday issued a strong warning to the neighbouring state for alleged intrusion.
Reacting sharply to the incident, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan lashed out at Andhra Pradesh accusing it of creating unnecessary tension in the area without any legal authority.
Asserting that Kotia has always been a part of Odisha and will continue to remain so, the Minister told reporters that any attempt to disturb peace in Kotia for political purpose will not be tolerated at all.
He said the Odisha government will take strict action if any attempt is made to create unrest in Kotia with evil intentions and political motives.
The Minister was reacting to a recent incident in Sembi village of Kotia when a team of Andhra Pradesh government officials allegedly entered the area to conduct an e-survey for ration and Aadhaar cards.
Intrusion by Andhra officials triggered strong opposition from local villagers, who objected to the presence and activities of outsiders in the region. Tension escalated as villagers confronted the officials.
Arguments reportedly broke out when villagers tried to stop the survey team from carrying out the exercise. The situation became tense for a brief period, raising concerns over law and order. However, timely intervention by the police helped bring the situation under control.
Following police warnings and mediation, the Andhra Pradesh survey team was forced to retreat from the village. The police presence ensured the situation did not escalate further, and normalcy was eventually restored in the area.
