Did not disturb this Andaman Island

Did not disturb this Andaman Island

News

1. American national and missionary John Allen Chau was killed by Sentinelese tribe when he ventured to the North Sentinel island in the Andaman.

Important facts:

About Sentinelese tribe:

2. The Sentinelese are a pre-Neolithic people who have inhabited North Sentinel Island for an estimated 55,000 years without contact with the outside world.
3. They have short stature, possibly due to the “island effect” that causes genetic limitation over time.

Protection under law:

4. The Sentinelese and other aboriginal tribes of the Andaman& Nicobar Islands are protected under The Andaman and Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956
5. The entire North Sentinel Island including the coastal sea extending up to 5 Kms. from the high water mark has been declared as Tribal Reserve under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956

Dilution of law:

6. In August 2018, in a bid to promote tourism and encourage investment, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) decided to exclude 30 islands from Andaman and Nicobar from the RAP or Restricted Area Permit regime notified under the Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963. North Sentinelese island was among the 30 islands
7. According to critics, the removal of RAP from North Sentinel island sent an extremely dangerous message that the island was now open for visitors. Further, it has also put uncontacted Sentinelese tribe at the risk of contracting diseases

Government’s Response

8. Following criticism, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands UT Administration clarified in October that Indian nationals would continue to require a pass issued by the Deputy Commissioner for entering a tribal reserve, and foreigners would need prior approval from the Principal Secretary (Tribal Welfare).