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The Andaman and Nicobar Islands had been recently hit by Tsunami tidal waves which has reportedly caused extensive damage to the life and property in these Islands. There has been spurt of interest on the people inhabiting the Islands and specially the tribals including the primitive tribal groups. Several newspapers have, of late, carried estimates of population in these Islands including those of tribals. They seem to have done it without having the benefit of the Census 2001 figures, which had captured complete details of the population of the Islands and villages including those of the Scheduled Tribes. The information about the Islands and the population in the succeeding paras is given to remove any misgivings about the numbers, which are available village-wise with the Government of India.
There are total of 6 tribes of which 5, namely, Andamanese (43), Jarawas (240), Onges (96), Sentinelese (39) and Shom Pens (398) are primitive tribes. Nicobarese (28,653), who are the sixth tribe are the largest in population. Andamanese tribe inhabit only in two villages of the Islands, the Jarawas are inhabited in 6 villages, the Onges in 2 villages, Sentinelese in one village and Shom Pens in 17 villages. The Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges and Sentinelese are located in the Andamans district, Shom Pens primitive tribe group in Nicobars district, while Nicobarese tribes have presence both in the Andamans and Nicobars districts though the majority of them (91.23%) live in Nicorbars district. The Government of India is concerned especially about the Nicobarese, who are the most prosperous among the communities of A&N Island and are feared to have suffered substantial damage due to the Tsunami waves. The Government of India is, however, relieved to learn that the primitive tribal communities are by and large safe.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands having an area of 8249 square kilometers, have a total population 3,56,152 as on 1.3.2001. Of them, 29,469 are Scheduled Tribes constituting 8.27% of the total Islands population.
Only about 10% Scheduled Tribes population is in Andamans district while remaining 90% is in the district of Nicobars. There are total of 547 villages of which 501 are inhabited and 46 are uninhabited. The union territory of Andaman & Nicobar has 3 towns, namely, Port Blair(MCl), Bambooflat(CT) and Garacharma (CT). About 28% of the population of the union territory lives in Port Blair town.
The district/tahsil wise population of Andaman & Nicobar Islands as per Census 2001 is as under:
Sl. No
Union territory/ districts/tahsils
Total population
Total Scheduled Tribes population
Percentage of ST population to the population of Ut/ district/Tahsil
A & N Islands
3,56,152
29,469
8.27
1.
Andamans
3,14,084
2,904
0.92
(i) Diglipur
42,877
23
0.05
(ii) Mayabunder
23,912
74
0.31
(iii) Rangat
38,824
207
0.53
(iv) Ferrargunj
48,626
208
0.43
(v) Port Blair
1,59,845
2,392
1.50
2.
Nicobars
42,068
26,565
63.15
(i) Car Nicobar
20,292
15,899
78.35
(ii) Nancowry
21,776
10,666
48.98
Brief details and the present position based on the latest information from the Andaman through our officers’ alongwith with their population distribution are as under:
1. Andamanese
Total Andamanese population in the Union territory is 43 persons (24 males & 19 females) as per 2001 Census. This tribe mainly inhabits the strait Island (As) in Rangat tehsil; only 9 Andamanese were found to be living in Port Blair town. The inhabitant of strait Island(As) have been brought to Port Blair for the present and are safe. Their habitat has suffered substantial damage and they would require rehabilitation. They belong to Negrito group.
2. Jarawas
The Jarawas are among the most primitive tribes and are at present a heritage tribe. They inhabit the middle and south Andaman Islands. Total Jarawas population is 240 persons in the Union territory as per 2001 Census, which consists of 125 males and 115 females. The Jarawas settlements are in six villages of Andamans districts. Four villages namely, Dhaninallah (JA), Foul Bay (JA), Lakra Lungta (JA) and Spike Island (JA) are in Rangat tehsil, whereas two villages viz., Middle Strait to Jirkatang (JA) and Tirur (JA) are in Ferrargunj tehsil. They are safe. Their habitat is jungle and high land and they inhabit western part of the islands. They also belong to Negrito group.
3. Onges
According to 2001 Census, total Onges population in the Union territory is 96 persons (57 males and 39 females). The tribe inhabit mainly in two villages, Dugong Creek (OS) and South Bay (OS), both located in Port Blair tehsil of Andamans district. While the north is naturally protected from the Tsunami waves, the southern portion is exposed to the sea. However, it has now been reported that Onges are safe and have taken shelter in the hill, forest area in the island. They also belong to Negrito group.
4. Sentinelese
Sentinelese are hostile in nature and leading an isolated life. In 2001 Census, the tribe was counted from a distance, as it was done in the past censuses. They live in North Sentinel Island (SA). Their total population is 39 persons consisting of 21 males and 18 females. No contact has been established with the Sentinelese as yet. During aerial surveys they have been sighted. They are also, therefore, safe. They also belong to Negrito Group.
5. Shom Pens
The Shom Pens inhabit the southern most part of Nicobar Island and are located at Campbell Bay. Total Shom Pens population in Union territory is 398 persons (254 males and 144 females) as per 2001 Census. The tribe is scattered over 17 villages of Nancowry Tehsil of Nicobars district. These are Alexandera River, Pulokunji, Shompen village (A), Renguang, Dogmar River, Kopenheat, Shompen village (B), Kokeon, Dakhiyon (FC), In-Hig-Loi, Pulobaha, Chingen, Galathia River (FC), Not yet named (27.9 km.), Ranganathan Bay, Chownallah and Lawful Bay. In seven villages, their population is five or less in numbers, and in two villages, they had 7 & 9 persons respectively. Maximum Shom Pens population are found in Shompen village (A) & Shompen village (B) with 103 & 106 population respectively. Although they were feared to have been worst affected by virtue of their location in the southern most point and closest to Sumatra island. It has now been reported through aerial surveys that the Shom Pens are by and large safe and taken shelter in the forest areas in the island, which is a biosphere reserve. All the bridges in this area are damaged and efforts are still on to reach Shom Pens by foot. They are primitive tribal group of Mongoloid origin.
6. Nicobarese
The Nicobarese inhabit the Car Nicobar Group of Islands which is mainly plain area. Nicobarese are, numerically, the largest Scheduled Tribe in the Union territory with 28,653 persons (14,646 males and 14,007 females). The Nicobarese constitute 97.23 percent of total Scheduled Tribes population of the Union territory. The majority of Nicobarese (91.23 percent) live in Nicobars district.
Because of their geographical position they are feared to have been worst affected. Survey is on in Car Nicobar to assess the damage to the Nicobarese and at present 3000 are reported missing. Relief is being reached to these people.
The position as of now can be stated to be as follows:-
Tribe
Habitation
Current Status
Andamanese
Strait Island in Andaman. Habitation damaged
They are safe and brought to Port Blair.
Jarawas
Middle and South Andaman
Not affected.
Onges
Dugong Creek & South Bay in little Andaman
Reported safe
Sentinelses
North Sentinel Islands
Sighted safe
Shom Pens Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar
Reported sighted safe, Not yet reached.
Nicobarese
Car Nicobar Group of Island
Affected. Loss being estimated. About 3000 reported missing.
Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block
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PIB, New Delhi, Dated; Pausa 15, 1926/January 5, 2005
OK/PM/AS/050105-Safety&PopulationProfile
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