Union Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called upon the Government of Odisha for a comprehensive and long-term resolution of Odisha's border disputes with its neighbouring states.<br />'' <br />''In a letter to Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, the Union Minister emphasised on resolving the long-standing border disputes between Odisha and the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh in the spirit of cooperative federalism. He also urged the Chief Minister to seek the support of the central government in mediating a resolution.<br />'' <br />''In his letter, the Union Minister has requested the Chief Minister of Odisha to ensure the socio-economic interest of the people of the state is not compromised in any way. He said that if necessary, the state should consider legal remedies for resolution of the boundary disputes. He has suggested to the state government to convene an all party meeting with due participation and inputs from Odisha's intelligentsia and civil society for discussing the border disputes with the neighbouring states.<br />'' <br />''In addition, the Union Minister Mr Pradhan has asked for the constitution of a House Committee in the Odisha Legislative Assembly comprising members of different parties to undertake a detailed study of the issues and to present their learned findings and recommendations.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Mr. Pradhan's letter assumes significance in the light of the recent boundary tension in the Pottangi block of Koraput district of Odisha along its border with Andhra Pradesh. </span><br />