Port Blair, Jan. 12: “It is very painful to see the version of the Director General of Police, A&N Islands on the report of exploitation of the Jarawa tribe. The UK based weekly 'Observer' has opened the eyes of the world and the Indian govt. is up on its toes. Unfortunately, instead of accepting the ground reality that without the connivance of Police and the AAJVS staff posted in the ATR, such footages cannot be taken, the DGP seems to deviate the attention by blaming Search and Survival International for the issue, the Director of Search expressed on the allegations made upon them.

The DGP alleged that the Director and employees of Search have taken upon themselves to draw fat salaries and benefits from funds donated for primitive tribes.

"It is obvious that funds are low and have to be stimulated by such sensational lies", a local daily reported today on the version of police.

Search has been functioning as a registered body since over one year. It does not have any funds and have no employees to work. All activities of Search are supported through personal contributions from the members of Search.

“We joined the campaign with Survival International to tell the world about the state of the Jarawa tribe in the islands. We have been urging tourists to stop using the Andaman Trunk Road for Jarawa tourism. The campaign had such an impact that leading travel companies agreed to us and volunteered to be a part of the campaign. No other organisations working on this ground could create this kind of impact. Search has also been successful in convincing the settlers who stay in close proximity with the tribes to respect the tribe and their culture”.

“In Search we believe we should be 'down to earth'. We have been campaigning for the Jarawa tribe in spite of many threats from different sections of the society. It is sad that instead of supporting the organisation, the A&N Police is trying to malign our image”, the Director of Search Shri Denis Giles adds.