The long-standing territorial dispute over the strategic Kotia region has taken a fresh turn. The Odisha government has officially announced plans to approach the Supreme Court once again, citing a violation of the High Court’s directives.
The development was confirmed by Koraput Sub-Collector Fabi Rasheed, who also stated that she is visiting Kotia to personally listen to local grievances and assess the ground reality. The state’s decision to seek legal recourse at the apex level highlights its firm resolve to protect its administrative jurisdiction and address ongoing encroachments and border friction.
Amidst these escalating legal manoeuvres, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has made a passionate appeal for bipartisan unity, emphasising that the issue transcends petty politics.
“Kotia is not just a region; it is a symbol of Odisha’s identity, sovereignty, and integrity. The prolonged border dispute is undoubtedly a matter of deep concern for all of us,” Pradhan stated.
Recalling his past efforts—including letters written to former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy—Pradhan stressed that political leaders bear a crucial responsibility to resolve the stalemate. He advocated for fostering a cordial atmosphere through constructive dialogue, maintaining that safeguarding Odisha’s unity and territorial integrity is a collective obligation for every citizen and leader alike.
As the state government prepares for its legal showdown in the Supreme Court, all eyes remain fixed on Kotia, where administrative presence and political consensus are being rallied to defend the region’s future.
