The Jarawas and the Sentinelese of the Andaman Islands

 

A number  of  letters  have  been  received  in the  recent  past  expressing  concern  about  welfare  of Jarawas and the Sentinelese of the Andaman Islands.
The Government  categorically  states  that it  has  no  programme or intension of interfering with the lifestyle and the habitat of the Jarawas and the Sentinelese. It also fully recognises their right over the territories they inhabit and their unhindered access to resources therein.
The Government of India have constituted a committee  under the direction of Hon'ble High Court of Calcutta, to go into recent behavior change among the Jarawas and to suggest measures to prevent their extinction or loss of cultural identity. The  committee  is actively  working in pursuance of this mandate and its report when received will be made public. The  Govt.  would  therefore welcome comments and suggestions on the report, as per direction contained in   the High Courts order. These will form  useful  inputs with regard to the question of the welfare of Jarawas. Thus, the fears and concerns expressed in the above mentioned communication, received by the government are groundless.

   

Director (Tribal Welfare)

Andaman & Nicobar Administration