American Killed by Sentinel Tribes Near Andaman Nicobar Islands

The American Missionary in hopes to spread the preachings of Lord Jesus among the untouched Sentinel tribes off the Indian Andaman Nicobar island coast, John Allen Chau was reported missing or presumed dead last week. “God forgive any people who try to kill me or even worse Kill me”. His words from the journal he kept altogether his journey, clearly declare his violation of so many laws to reach the world’s most isolated island. The fishermen who accompanied John to the island drove him only till the fishing waters near the island, John Kayaked his way to the island. These fishermen were arrested and are filed cases against them.

From John Allen Chau’s Instagram, it is clear that he had not only the intentions to spread evangelical preaches but also to use the opportunity to quench his thirst for adventure. While many critics condemn his behaviour, it is indeed a tragic loss for human society. They state that his mere attempt of even entering the most protected areas of the tribal people might have risked the tribal people exposing to the modern diseases.

Who are the Sentinel Tribals?

The Sentinel Tribe is the one and only last pre-neolithic tribe that is left remaining in the world. They habituate at the North Sentinel Island in Andaman & Nicobar Islands of India. They are protected under stringent laws stopping Indians and foreigners to even enter a 5-mile radius of the island.  When the Indian Navy tried to contact them aftermath Tsunami for any help, they responded with arrow attacks. They are the only group of people without even a single contact with the outside world. This is the main reason for their protection. Since they are highly susceptible to getting easily infected by the modern diseases they are left alone in their island without any harm. But many adventure-seekers and thrill-seekers approach the island to get a glimpse of the tribes.

What caused John’s daring action to meet the tribes at Sentinel Island?

Whether it is his ideas to spread the name of Jesus or whether it is the mere idea of the tribes untouched by humans for 60,000 years had intrigued John to go and visit the Island. He had been to Andaman three times prior to his latest visit. The latest government rule this June ruled out the need for a special permit to visit the 29 protected islands of Andaman. This might have triggered the American Missionary to go visit the Island. North Sentinel Island is still a protected area even though the ban was lifted. In order to go there, any person must clear the security and get permission from various departments. His words “God Himself was hiding us from the Coast Guard and many patrols,” from his journal proves his violations of laws.

If we ask the question whether is it really needed for the government to rule out a very necessary permit? Or Is it really that important for John to go the island to contact the tribals? We are left with just Silence as the answer.

Image Credit & Courtesy: NDTV, Instagram Profile of Johnachau, Business Insider.