M A I N   N E W S

Jarawas’ buffer zone to be expanded
Aditi Tandon/TNS

New Delhi, February 5
At a time when new evidence has emerged of the alleged exploitation of protected Jarawa tribals inhabiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Centre is understood to be working on enlarging the buffer zone around the group's settlements in the island UT.

At another level, the National Advisory Council (NAC) headed by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi has started working on a special and comprehensive policy on the protection and preservation of primitive tribal groups (PTGs), including the Jarawas in Andamans. In India, about 75 tribal communities have been classified as PTGs and they are spread across 17 states and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. PTGs are the poorest tribes among the listed Scheduled Tribes.

Speaking to The Tribune today, Harsh Mander, NAC member, said the existing Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulations, 1956, had failed to offer the level of protection and privacy that was expected for the tribals and a special comprehensive advice was now required on how to address the issue afresh in the light of recent happenings.

"It is very distressing to note what has happened in respect of Jarawa girls. The Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulations must be revisited. We will look at all primitive tribals and not just Jarawas though we will ensure that the new policy applies to Jarawas in the best manner possible and incorporates their experiences," he said.

"We are talking of the Andamanese and the Sentinelese who are not able to survive ever since they came into contact with the world outside. Our policy must ensure their protection and we will work on the policy for the next four to five months," Mander said.

This is the second time NAC is flagging the issue. Earlier in 2006, it had reported sexual abuse of Jarawa women and recommended policy interventions to ensure preservation and privacy of the tribe.

It was after NAC's intervention that the amendment to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulations, 1956, was mooted. The same has now been put on fast track, with officials in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs saying one of the major proposals under the Act is enlargement of the buffer zone around the tribals.

"Increased buffer zone means increased private space for the tribals. It means preventing the outsiders from intruding upon the privacy of these tribes and laying down penalties for those who violate the mandated private space around Jarawa settlements," officials said.

Two New videos surface

• Two new videos of half-naked girls from the Jarawa tribe dancing in front of tourists surface in London
• The Observer says the first film showed half-naked girls from the tribe dancing before an Indian police officer
• A second shorter clip focuses on a girl's nudity, with men allegedly in military uniform nearby