Tour operators warned over Jarawa sightings in Andaman

MUMBAI: Authorities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have warned tour operators not to organize sightings of the Jarawa tribe for tourists, saying its violation of a Supreme Court order.

The order is aimed at protecting vulnerable tribes in the Andamans and its violation could invite contempt of court charge, 'Survival', an international NGO, said in a release here on Saturday.

The warning was given by the authorities on Friday to hoteliers, tour operators, taxi drivers and others who are known to organise such sightings despite a ban, it said.

The apex court order states that the Jarawa, amongst other tribes, should be protected from any contact with the mainstream society to minimise exposure to germs and diseases.

The Jarawas resisted contact with settlers on their islands until 1998.

"We welcome efforts to crack down on those who enter the Jarawa land without their permission," 'Survival' Director Stephen Corry said.

"The Jarawa should not be treated as a tourist attraction, all interaction with outsiders is potentially lethal as it could introduce diseases to which the community has no immunity," he said.