Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting the state’s territorial integrity in the long-standing inter-state boundary dispute over the Kotia group of villages in Koraput district.

In a letter addressed to the 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 in response to Patnaik’s letter regarding the boundary dispute.

Majhi expressed concern that Patnaik’s letter appeared to approach the sensitive issue from a political standpoint rather than focusing on constructive and legally tenable solutions. He maintained that his government remained committed to safeguarding Odisha’s territorial interests through lawful and constitutional means.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to accelerate development in Kotia and adjoining areas. He said priority had been given to improving public services, promoting inclusive growth and enhancing the well-being of locals.

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

The Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, along with other ministers and senior officials, has also been visiting the region to assess development needs and coordinate efforts for its overall progress, Majhi said.

Emphasising the sensitive nature of the long-standing dispute, the Chief Minister called on all concerned to exercise restraint and responsibility and respect the judicial process.

He said his government would continue to defend Odisha’s territorial integrity before the appropriate legal and constitutional forums while ensuring the socio-economic development of people living in Kotia and neighbouring areas.

Majhi also invited Patnaik to offer constructive suggestions for resolving the long-pending dispute, saying the proposals would be considered by the government.

The Kotia region has been at the centre of a boundary dispute between Odisha and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.