Bhubaneswar, 27 October (H.S.): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to safeguarding the state’s territorial integrity and protecting its legitimate interests in the long-standing inter-state boundary dispute over the Kotia group of villages in Koraput district. He has stressed that the sensitive issue should be addressed through lawful and constitutional means, with due respect for the judicial process.

In a letter dated October 27, addressed to Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Majhi said the Kotia group of villages had been an integral part of Odisha since the formation of the separate state in 1936. The letter was written in response to Patnaik’s communication dated October 19 concerning the boundary dispute.

The Chief Minister expressed concern that Patnaik’s letter appeared to approach the issue from a political standpoint rather than proposing constructive and legally tenable solutions for its resolution.

Majhi maintained that his government remained firmly committed to protecting Odisha’s territorial interests through established legal and constitutional mechanisms.

Alongside protecting the state’s territorial interests, the Odisha government has accorded priority to the integrated development of Kotia and adjoining areas, Majhi said.

He highlighted the government’s focus on ensuring inclusive growth, improving the delivery of public services and enhancing the socio-economic well-being of local residents. The Chief Minister said development initiatives were being pursued to address the needs of the region and improve the quality of life of its people.

As part of these efforts, a committee headed by the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister and comprising senior officials has been constituted to oversee the integrated development of the Kotia Gram Panchayat areas.

The committee is expected to facilitate coordinated action and monitor development requirements across the region.

Majhi further stated that the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, along with other ministers and senior officials, had been visiting the area to assess local needs, review development initiatives and coordinate efforts for its overall progress.

The government’s approach, he indicated, combines the protection of Odisha’s territorial interests with sustained efforts to ensure the development and welfare of people living in Kotia and neighbouring areas.

Emphasising the sensitive and long-standing nature of the inter-state boundary dispute, Majhi urged all concerned to exercise restraint and responsibility and respect the judicial process.

He said the state government would continue to safeguard Odisha’s territorial integrity before all appropriate legal and constitutional forums while ensuring the socio-economic advancement of the people of Kotia and adjoining areas.

The Chief Minister stressed that the dispute required a responsible approach, with due regard for legal procedures and constitutional principles.

In his letter, Majhi also expressed his willingness to consider constructive suggestions from Patnaik for resolving the long-pending issue.

He said any practical proposals for a resolution could be submitted to the state government for consideration, underlining the need for a constructive approach to addressing the dispute.

The exchange comes amid continued political attention to the Kotia issue, which remains a sensitive matter concerning Odisha’s territorial interests and the development of the border region.

Majhi reiterated that his government would remain committed to defending the state’s territorial integrity while pursuing the comprehensive development of Kotia and ensuring the welfare of its residents.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda