September 2, 2025

NEW DELHI: The Great Nicobar Project is causing a big uproar! On Monday, Congress MP Manickam Tagore wrote a strong letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He asked the PM to quickly step in and protect the rights of the Nicobarese tribes. These rights are at risk because of the huge Rs 72,000-crore infrastructure project. Tagore wants the ministries of tribal affairs, and environment and forests, to do a fresh, independent review of how forest land clearance was given in Nicobar. Why? Because he says the local administration wrongly claimed that the Forest Rights Act (FRA) rights were "identified and settled" before 13,075 hectares of forest land was cleared for the project. But the Tribal Council of Great Nicobar strongly disagrees! They said this claim is wrong and breaks the rules set by the FRA, 2006. Tagore demanded that the project be stopped until all laws are properly followed. He also wants officials who gave false information to be made responsible. He explained that the Nicobarese people are very vulnerable and have always been protected under the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation of 1956. ‘‘The strength of our democracy lies in protecting the rights of the weakest. The voice of the Nicobarese must be heard, respected, and upheld in the true spirit of justice,’’ Tagore added. So, the fight is on! Can this massive project move forward without hurting the forest and the tribal people? Only time will tell, but for now, the Nicobarese community is standing tall and demanding justice.

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Tags: Great nicobar project, Manickam tagore, Nicobarese tribes, Forest rights, Pm modi, Forest rights act,