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Sunday 15-Jan-2012

Police to take action for 'Jarawa tourism' ad: DGP

Drivers and tour operators would be held responsible for any contact of the tourists with the Jarawas, or any infringement of rules

By  Traveltechie Bureau | Mumbai

The Andaman & Nicobar Police on Sunday said action will be taken against tour operators offering trips to show members of the Jarawa tribe in the union territory.

Advertisements have appeared on the Internet about agents, tour operators and drivers offering such ‘packages’ to tourists and the police would henceforth adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards such practices, DGP SB Deol said in a statement here.

There has been a lot of adverse publicity in national and international press about ‘Jarawa tourism’ in the Islands following the controversy that erupted on Wednesday over a footage showing Jarawa women allegedly being ordered to dance before tourists.

The DGP said the word ‘Jarawa’ appearing on the website of any tour advertisement would lead to an immediate case being registered and arrests of those concerned.

Drivers and tour operators would be held responsible for any contact of the tourists with the Jarawas, or any infringement of rules.

Police personnel in the guise of tourists and genuine tourists would be used to catch the agents, operators and drivers offering ‘Jarawa tourism’, he said.

Possession of video clips of Jarawa tribals will lead to immediate arrest, the statement said.