Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has replied to Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik’s letter concerning the Kotia boundary dispute, reaffirming that Kotia has been an integral part of Odisha since 1936.
In his reply to Patnaik’s letter dated October 19 regarding the inter-state boundary dispute concerning the Kotia Group of Villages in Koraput district, Majhi asserted that Kotia has been an integral part of Odisha since the formation of the separate State of Odisha in 1936.
The Chief Minister said the state government remains firmly committed to safeguarding the territorial integrity and legitimate interests of Odisha.
“I am constrained to observe that the contents of your letter appear to approach this sensitive issue from a political standpoint rather than advance constructive and legally tenable solutions for its resolution,” Majhi wrote.
He said the state government has consistently upheld the state’s territorial interests through lawful and constitutional means and has accorded priority to the development of Kotia and adjoining areas to ensure inclusive growth, improve delivery of public services and enhance well-being of the local population. For this, a Committee under the chairmanship of the Minister, Revenue and Disaster Management, comprising senior officials, has been constituted to oversee the integrated development of Kotia Gram Panchayat areas. The Minister, along with other Ministers and senior officials, has been undertaking several visits to the region to review developmental needs and facilitate coordinated action, the CM stated.
“In view of the sensitivity of this long-standing inter-State matter, all concerned must act with restraint, responsibility and respect for the judicial process. My Government remains committed to safeguarding the State’s territorial integrity before all appropriate legal and constitutional forums, while ensuring the socio-economic advancement of the people of Kotia and the adjoining areas,” Majhi said.
The Chief Minister also sought constructive suggestions from the Leader of Opposition for resolution of the long-pending issue for consideration of the government.
