Bhubaneswar, 21 October (H.S.): Former Union Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has called for collective efforts beyond political differences to resolve the long-standing Kotia border dispute, asserting that the region holds immense significance for Odisha and every Odia.

Pradhan said Kotia symbolises the identity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Odisha. The prolonged border dispute remains a matter of serious concern, and all political parties must unite to find a solution that safeguards the state’s interests.

He said he had personally visited Kotia village in April 2018, February 2019 and April 2023 to assess the situation. He had also taken initiatives at various levels to address the problems arising from repeated interference by Andhra Pradesh and the ensuing border dispute.

Pradhan said he had written to Naveen Patnaik, the then Chief Minister of Odisha and the present Leader of the Opposition, on November 18, 2020, and October 31, 2022, regarding the issue. He had also written to the then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on September 22, 2021, urging him to help resolve the dispute.

Emphasising the importance of political leadership in resolving the sensitive border issue, Pradhan said cordial dialogue at the highest level was essential to create a conducive atmosphere and pave the way for a lasting solution.

He recalled the sacrifices and contributions of eminent personalities who played a significant role in protecting Odisha’s territorial identity, including Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das, Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Senapati, Swabhaba Kabi Gangadhar Meher and Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo of Paralakhemundi.

Pradhan said the sacrifices of these great personalities would never go in vain and that efforts to protect Odia identity would continue.

He reiterated that safeguarding Odisha’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity was a collective responsibility, stressing that the Kotia dispute must be resolved through united efforts, with the interests of the state remaining paramount.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda