July 26, 2025

As India approaches its next national census scheduled for 2027, officials in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands find themselves embroiled in a significant ethical debate concerning the counting of Indigenous people, particularly the reclusive Sentinelese tribe. This group has a long history of rejecting contact with outsiders, often resorting to the use of bows and arrows to repel intruders. With the government's census notice igniting discussions, the question remains: should there be attempts to include them in the census at all? Manish Chandi, a former member of the Andaman and Nicobar Tribal Research and Training Institute's research advisory board, argues firmly against it. He stresses the importance of safeguarding the tribe's habitat, marine resources, and maintaining their isolation rather than obtaining a numerical value for their population. This perspective reflects a growing concern about the delicate balance between Indigenous rights and the demands of modern governance. Since the last census in 2011, the Indian government has upheld a strict 5km exclusion zone around North Sentinel Island, adhering to what is termed an 'eyes-on, hands-off' policy designed to protect the tribe from external ailments to which they have no immunity and to preserve their independence. This policy reflects a recognition of the tribe's vulnerability, as past interactions with outsiders have proven catastrophic, leading to the deaths of many Indigenous groups in the region due to diseases introduced by colonizers. Earlier census efforts didn't involve direct interaction with the Sentinelese. Instead, officials took to boats to observe the island from a distance, noting the hostile behavior of the inhabitants. The last sighting recorded 15 individuals in 2011, while a previous census noted 39 in 2001; however, such numbers are often seen as estimations based on limited observations rather than accurate accounts. Survival International, an organization that advocates for Indigenous rights, estimates their population could range from 50 to 150 individuals. A rich cultural existence is maintained through hunting, fishing, and gathering, believed to have continued in relative isolation for over 50,000 years. The Sentinelese's most recent contact with outsiders occurred in 2014, and the island remains largely untouched. The tragic story of John Allen Chau, a U.S. missionary who illegally attempted to access the island in 2018 and was subsequently killed, underscores the extreme measures the Sentinelese will take to protect their way of life. The Indian government has not intervened in such incidents, reaffirming its commitment to the tribe's autonomy. Despite their well-known aversion to outsiders, North Sentinel Island still draws adventurers, posing risks to the tribe's wellbeing. In March 2023, a 24-year-old YouTuber was arrested for attempting to land on the forbidden island, showcasing the ongoing fascination with the Sentinelese and furthering the discussion about potential dangers, including disease exposure. Government officials have contemplated innovative solutions to gauge the Sentinelese population, including using drones and satellite imagery. However, many experts warn that such measures might worsen the situation. The dense rainforest makes accurate assessments through drones improbable, and the presence of drones could provoke anxiety among the already wary islanders. Past instances, like when the Sentinelese fired arrows at helicopters post the 2004 tsunami, illustrate the potential for panic. The Sentinelese are not alone in defying simple enumeration; other tribes such as the Shompen of Great Nicobar and the Jarawa present varying levels of contact with the global community. The Shompen, for instance, live deeply in the forests and allow very little interaction with outsiders, making accurate population counts challenging. The population numbers reported in the last census were deemed unreliable, reflecting the broader challenges facing Indigenous populations in India as modernity collides with traditional ways of life. Ultimately, as the 2027 census approaches, the discussion surrounding the counting of the Sentinelese tribe highlights vital ethical considerations in balancing the need for population data with the imperative of respecting Indigenous autonomy and preserving their way of life. The future of the Sentinelese, along with their right to remain undisturbed, rests in the hands of those who govern and protect their habitat.

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Tags: Sentinelese, Andaman islands, Census, Indigenous peoples, Tribal rights,