Context:
A U.S. national was arrested in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for allegedly entering the prohibited tribal reserve area of North Sentinel Island.
Sentinelese:
- Location – Reside on North Sentinel Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Population – Estimated to be between 15 to 100 individuals.
- Lifestyle – Hunter-gatherers, relying on fishing, hunting, and collecting wild plants.
- Completely isolated from the outside world; fiercely hostile to outsiders.
- Historical Presence – Carbon dating suggests their presence on the island for over 2,000 years; genome studies indicate habitation for up to 30,000 years.
Legal Protections:
- Declared as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956: Declares their area as a reserve and prohibits unauthorized entry.
- Indian Forest Act, 1927 provides additional protection to their habitat and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 safeguards their habitat rights.
- International Commitments: India is a signatory to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Government Approach:
- “Eyes-on and hands-off” approach to ensure their safety and autonomy.
- Restricted Area Permits: Entry to North Sentinel Island is strictly prohibited without authorization.
- No one – whether missionary, scholar, adventurer – is allowed to venture near North Sentinel Island without permission.
- Permission is granted only in the rarest of circumstances and with meticulous precautions
- Photographing or filming the tribe members is also an offence. The rules were amended later to enhance penalties
- Coast Guard and Marine Police patrol the area to prevent unauthorized access.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) Sumatra
(b) Borneo
(c) Java
(d) Sri Lanka
Answer: (a)