Bhubaneswar: Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das on Wednesday expressed support for the state government in its efforts to protect Kotia, the disputed border region, while stressing that resolving the issue requires addressing the poverty and livelihood concerns of its residents.
“We stand with the government in the fight over Kotia. Kotia is ours, and we will fight,” Das said, asserting that all political parties and people should unite on the issue.
He said the dispute could not be resolved merely through police deployment or confrontation. Instead, the government should prioritise poverty alleviation, livelihood generation and overall development of the people living in the border region.
Referring to the substantial funds being spent under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR), Das questioned why the government could not provide monthly financial assistance of Rs 10,000 to families residing in the border areas or introduce special schemes to eradicate poverty there.
While investments worth crores and trillions of rupees were being discussed, the government should ensure that people living in sensitive border areas receive adequate economic support and development benefits, he said.
Reiterating the Congress party’s position, Das said it would stand with the state government in protecting Kotia and called for a united effort to safeguard the region.
