Relevance : GS Paper I (Indian Society)
[700 words reduced to 250]
- The killing of an American national by the Sentinelese has put the spotlight on the vulnerability of indigenous communities in India.
- There are six tribal communities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands . The population of these tribes have reduced drastically over the decades.
- India’s policy towards these tribes:
- (ANPATR), 1956 protected the tribals from outside interference.
- A policy of non-intervention was also proposed by the Supreme Court.
- In 2005, the ANPATR was amended and the punishment was enhanced.
- A policy for protecting the Shompen tribes was released only in 2015.
- The government amended the ANPATR yet again in 2012, creating a buffer zone in Jarawa tribal reserve.
- In 2018 the government relaxed the restricted area permit (RAP) for 29 islands.
- International conventions
- The 1957 ILO convention insisted on an integrationist approach towards tribal communities.
- The 1989 ILO convention insisted on a policy of non-intervention.
- India ratified the 1957 convention but has not ratified the 1989 convention.
- Has government policies been successful?
- The Andaman Trunk Road has led to spread of diseases, sexual exploitation, and begging.
- There continues to be numerous reports of civilian intrusion into the Jarawa tribal reserve.
- Easing the restrictions by the government could adversely affect the indigenous population.
- Commercialisation of tribal spaces could lead to encroachment of land.
- Way forward
- The government should prioritise protecting the tribes from outside influence.
- India needs to sign the 1989 convention of the ILO and implement it.
- India should also make efforts to sensitise settlers and outsiders about them.
- That Chau incident shows a lack of understanding about the Sentinelese. Only concrete efforts can prevent such an incident from happening again.
