The government has cleared a legislation to provide for stringent punishment including imprisonment for anyone exploiting the tribal communities in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The law has penal provisions to deter unauthorised entry, photography, videography, hunting, use of alcohol and inflammable material in areas inhabited by tribals in the Islands. Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Ranee Narah gave this information in the Lok Sabha today.

In a written reply, she said the legislation provides for three-year imprisonment and fine for photography or videography of aboriginal tribes in
Andaman and Nicobar.

Hunting and poaching in reserved areas will be banned. There will be no promotion of tourism through advertisement on aboriginal tribes. Anyone carrying alcohol or other intoxicants and explosive materials in their areas will be jailed for seven years with fine, the Minister added.