Tension in Kotia as Odisha, Andhra police face off at border checkpost

Koraput: Tension prevailed in the disputed Kotia region of Koraput district after Odisha and Andhra Pradesh police personnel reportedly faced off at the Neridibalsa checkpost on Tuesday.The confrontation took place when Andhra Pradesh police allegedly attempted to enter the Kotia area, but Odisha police personnel stopped them. The situation turned tense as an argument ensued between police personnel from the two states.The Andhra Pradesh police also reportedly engaged in arguments with the Koraput Sub-Collector and Pattangi Tehsildar at the checkpost.The latest incident comes a day after Odisha Police intercepted an Andhra Pradesh-registered rice-laden truck near the Neridibalsa checkpost.Meanwhile, the Koraput district administration has tightened security arrangements in Kotia ahead of Andhra Pradesh’s elections scheduled for November 5.Koraput Collector said seven platoons of police force have already been deployed in the region to maintain law and order. The strength of the force will be increased on the polling day, he added.Security personnel are keeping a 24-hour watch at three checkposts established at Neridibalsa, Talasembi and Patusineri to monitor movement along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border.The administration has also deployed nine executive magistrates on a rotational basis to oversee the situation. The administration will also keep a close watch on the situation through video monitoring to prevent bogus voting and other electoral irregularities