Port Blair, Jan. 11: The Andaman & Nicobar Administration is fully committed to the protection of the Jarawa tribals.  The success of its efforts can be seen from the fact that over the past decade, the population of the Jarawas has increased for the first time since they first came into contact with the outside world 150 years ago.  Their population has increased by about 40% in this period, which can be seen from the very large numbers of infants and small children.

The Administration is aware that in the past few years people and organizations have attempted to attract visitors by “selling” them the concept of Jarawa tourism.  Recognising the need for the Jarawas to have more geographical space for their development and also to prevent unscrupulous elements from exploiting the presence of the Jarawas, the Administration increased the size of the Jarawa reserve from 847 Sq. KMs. to 1028 Sq. KMs. in 2004.  Later in 2007 going further, the Administration declared that a belt of 5 KMs. adjoining the Jarawa Reserved would be a Buffer Zone where no commercial activities were to be allowed. The size of the Buffer Zone comes to 843 Sq. Kms. A number of resorts and other commercial establishments have consequently been shut down.  This action was challenged in courts and is presently pending before the Hon’ble Supreme Court.

The sanctions attached to the Buffer Zone are a part of a proposal to bring about major amendments in the Protection of Aboriginal Tribals Regulation, 1956 (PAT), the legislation that guides all such matters.  The draft criminalizes a number of activities that are linked with potential exploitation of Jarawas and other vulnerable tribes and seeks to impose stiff punishments for all such violations. The approval of Government of India is expected shortly, after which the legal teeth to prosecute wrong-doer would considerably sharpen.

A portion of the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), the lifeline of the islands serving the basic needs of lakhs of islanders, passes through the Jarawa Reserve.  All vehicular movements on the ATR through the Jarawa Reserve are regulated through convoys.  Recently, on the recommendation a group of experts studying the Jarawa policy, the number of convoys has been brought down from eight to four per day.  This is to ensure better monitoring and regulation and prevent unauthorised interaction with the Jarawas.

The fact remains that over the years the Jarawas have dropped their hostility to the outside world and have started to coming out to the villages outside their Reserved areas and some groups come out on the A.T.R.  Though interaction cannot be avoided since this is being done by the Jarawas on their own, strict vigil has been maintained to ensure that they are not exploited by others, particularly attempts to “sell” Jarawa tourism and portray them as “exotica” is firmly discouraged. 

The video under reference has been in circulation in internet for some time.  The interaction of a group of Jarawas with a small group of tourists has taken place on the A.T.R. itself, and not inside the Jarawa area, but should not have happened.  However, the person in camouflaged uniform cannot be identified but is clearly not a member of the Andaman & Nicobar Police.  Survival International, a London based N.G.O. has been arguing for complete isolation of the Jarawas and has circulated this and other materials in the past.

In 2011, the Govt. of India has constituted an Expert Committee to review the existing policy towards the Jarawas to examine if they are willing to join the main stream on their own free will.  In case the Jarawa themselves are keen to join the main stream, then the Expert Committee will forward their recommendation to empower them in a phased manner over a prolonged period.

The Administration is committed to prosecuting anybody breaking the law and would not spare any efforts to see the guilty are brought to book.

This alleged incident is being investigated by the Director General of Police and being overseen by the Chief Secretary himself to ensure that appropriate action is taken against the defaulters, if any, a release from the A&N Administration said here.