Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Misplaced adventurism proves fatal' that was published in Newsband

Misplaced adventurism proves fatal

The death of a young American man at the hands of the inhabitants of North Sentinel Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Should Sentinelese be convicted and punished? Should they be integrated into modern society?

John Chau’s killing was a tragedy. His attempt to make contact with the Sentinelese was foolhardy and dangerous. Nobody is allowed to venture near North Sentinel Island without permission.

The Sentinelese are perhaps the most reclusive community in the world today. Their language is so far understood by no other group and they have traditionally guarded their island fiercely, attacking most intruders with spears and arrows. Chau knowingly broke the law.

But the fact is even animals with five senses can recognise its own species. It is not a normal behaviour to react with killing instinct at the sight of another human being. These islands were used by kingdoms to banish people who were nuisance to societies. It could have been one such islands used to banish people with psychiatric abnormal behaviours. If there were just 10 people in the beginning, over several hundred years, these numbers should have multiplied to several hundreds. Why then the number of tribals is very less. Are they killing themselves or is there any other reason for high mortality? When they are a part of India, they also should be offered all the facilities which other citizens are provided with. India has worked for upliftment of many tribals. They are not zoo animals to speak about conservation and no law should prevent them from their basic rights to education and medical facilities even if they don't want. Government should enter the island and provide rehabilitation.

But there are many questions being asked. Did Chau want to convert the Sentinalese to Christianity? Is the religious motivation of Chau and the backing he received from the missionary societies/groups that he was a part of, being brushed under the carpet? The case is being presented as only that of "misplaced adventurism"

Chau should have been prevented from entering the island and what made the authority to be hand folded while he started his venture. If there are very few people there they must be brought out to civil life. But if they are considered worth to be retained status quo tighten the laws for absolute prevention of entry to the island.

India hosts the world's most aloof tribe. The fact that they have existed for so long is a testimony to India's culture of concern for all beings, of its diversity, and its much-appreciated policy of "live and let live". Hope that there can be some other non-destructive solution.