North Sentinel Island

U.S. National Arrested: A U.S. citizen was recently arrested for allegedly illegally entering the prohibited tribal reserve of North Sentinel Island. This is a key point because it highlights ongoing attempts to breach the island’s protected status.

Location and Geography: North Sentinel Island is part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal. The island is approximately 8km long and 7km wide, roughly 60 sq km in area, densely forested, and surrounded by a shallow reef. Understanding the geography gives context to the tribe’s isolation.

Sentinelese Tribe: The island is home to the Sentinelese, one of the world’s last uncontacted tribes, believed to be descendants of early humans from Africa. This is the core reason for the island’s significance; the tribe’s unique status requires protection.

Voluntary Isolation and Resistance: The Sentinelese have maintained voluntary isolation for thousands of years and fiercely resist contact with the outside world. This resistance justifies the protective measures in place.

Legal Protection: The Andaman and Nicobar Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act, 1956, prohibits approaching the island closer than 5 nautical miles. This law is crucial to prevent unwanted contact and protect the Sentinelese from outside diseases and exploitation.

Population Estimate: The Sentinelese population is estimated to be between 80 and 150 people (possibly ranging from 15 to 500). Accurately assessing the population is very difficult due to the lack of contact.

Prohibited to Visit: It is illegal for outsiders, including Indian citizens, to visit North Sentinel Island or attempt contact with the Sentinelese. This reiterates the strict enforcement aimed at protecting the tribe.