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