Pottangi: In the wake of Andhra Pradesh claiming three villages of Kotia panchayat and holding panchayat elections there, various political parties in the state have started debating on the issue. Many have pointed accusing fingers at the block and the district administration of Koraput, raising questions on their role and their apathy towards development of the fringe areas.
According to reports, a row had broken out over Kotia between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha in 1960/61 and the issue has still remained unresolved. The matter is now sub judice at the Supreme Court.
The dispute took an ugly turn in 1967-68 when police of both the sides had faced angry confrontations. Then Collectors of Srikakulam district and Korpaut had to hold an emergency meeting to sort out the issue.
Bothe sides unanimously agreed to settle the issue and maintain peace in the fringe areas by setting up police outposts. But the dispute continued to be acute.
Some intellectuals and political leaders pointed out that then Chief Minister Rajendra Narayan Singhdeo moved two petitions in the Supreme Court in 1968. One of the cases (11/68) was related to a tourism spot like Bora.
In 1988, the apex court ordered both sides to maintain status quo, which has been ignored by both the sides. As a result, the row has come up vigorously after a long gap, they lamented.
There are 40 villages under Kotia panchayat while 21 are revenue villages. But 21 of the revenue villages are said to be disputed or unsurveyed.
Since 1968, the AP government had been trying to lure the people of three of the 21 disputed villages with various welfare schemes and quality development works.
Some intellectuals pointed out that the neighbouring government had on his own side had accorded panchayat status to three villages like Ganjeipadar, Fagunasineri and Fatusineri. In fact, the AP government was nominating sarpanchs in three panchayats. But people of three panchayats (as recognized by AP) were unshaped on the activities of the nominated sarpanchs.
Later, they had approached the AP government for holding elections. Taking this into account, the AP government dared to hold elections. Then various outfits raised their voice against the state government, leaving it to reel from pressure.
The state government again moved the apex court against the AP to prevent the panchayat polls. But the state’s bid was unsuccessful, they added.
On the other hand, the state government has started development works in Kotia after announcing a Rs 180 crore package to get closer to the people.
Now, people of these villages say that development work in Kotia panchayat has no meaning until people are ensured with livelihood.
The block administration has executed 61 projects in 21 disputed Kotia villages.
The block administration claims to have created 72,565 workdays under MGNREGS and paid wages of over Rs 1. 50 core through their savings accounts.
PNN