Bhubaneswar: As the border dispute continues between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today sought personal intervention of the southern state's Chief Minister for a conducive and mutually agreeable solution to the issue.

In a letter to CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Pradhan said the skirmishes which started in the 20 odd villages in Kotia under Pottangi block of Koraput have now spread to other border villages in Gajapati district. Such disputes pose a threat both to the security and developmental aspirations of people in border villages of both the states.

"Both the states have worked to provide connectivity and infrastructure in remote areas, ensured implementation of key development goals and made continuous efforts to improve the ease of living for the common man in the remotest hilly areas of eastern ghats. The developmental initiatives have gone a long way in mitigating the threats arising from LWE," the Minister stressed.

Terming the volatile situation arising out of the inter-state conflict as unfortunate, the Minister said situations like these would only fuel mistrust and prop up divisive forces to work against the socio-political and economic interests of both the states.

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"There is a need for building an enabling environment to facilitate talks between the states in view of the flared-up situation on ground," the Minister stated, requesting the Andhra CM to consider  following measures:

  • Retreat of armed police forces in the disputed villages and immediate withdrawal of cases registered against local representatives and Government officials registered with police in both the states
  • Except for essential public utility facilities of rural infrastructure, health, education and basic civic amenities, new structural construction and earth moving activities be put on hold, as these actions have led to the ongoing altercations;
  • Bilateral discussions between the Chief Ministers to lay the broad parameters of future roadmap to address the issues
  • Joint Working Group level talks at the level of Chief Secretaries/ Development Commissioners of both the States.

As an Odia, it pains me to see the distress and suffering of the people of Koraput and Gajapati. On behalf of the Union Government and in my personal capacity, I assure you of my support and availability in facilitating an amicable environment for bilateral talks and peaceful resolution of the dispute.

Dharmendra Pradhan.