Govt will not ‘get to know’ Sentinelese

The Jarawas, who are hunter-gatherers, live in the Middle Andamans. The Ministry will discourage all outside contact with the Jarawas and restrict the movement of tourists through their territory — on both sides of the the Grand Anandamese Trunk Road. ‘‘We are advised by anthropologists from all over the world to not intrude into the lives of these tribes,’’ Chatterjee said.

The ministry said that the only link it would continue to have with the tribe is through the medical centres. ‘‘Jarawas frequent the public health centre at Kadamtala and are very friendly to one Dr Kar, a medico from West Bengal, who has helped in blasting many myths about them,’’ said Chaterjee.

The Sentinelese, who have a population of 100, are the last primitive tribe on the island to remain hostile to the outside world. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has formally shelved its ‘‘make-friends’’ project with the Sentinelese, who are known for shooting poison-tipped arrows at ‘‘aliens’’.

Chatterjee is now monitoring the fate of six endangered primitive tribes in the island territory in the wake of the tsunami. The ministry’s team has confirmed that most of the people are safe. ‘‘The Andamanese, about 50 in number, have been shifted to Car Nicobar 10 days back and one child was also born in the group,’’ officials said.

The Sentinelese even shot arrows at the Coast Guard choppers when their territory was being surveyed. ‘‘It means they are fine and kicking,’’ said Chatterjee.

However, the Onges, who live on the last tip of the island, very close to Sumatra are yet to be sighted. ‘‘It’s difficult to reach them as all the links are broken and the sea is still rough.’’ sources said.