The past 150 years have seen the tribals become a victim of exploitation, first by the British and then later, by the local administration, by its lackadaisical approach to their welfare.

Slowly and silently, the government's efforts to bring the tribals to the mainstream have only resulted in their numbers getting diminished with each passing year.

The Great Andamanese tribe, once over 4,800-strong now stands at a dismal 46; the Onges have been reduced to 96; the Shompens have been gravely affected and, by now, all accept the Jarawas are on the death road.

Samir Acharya of Society for Andaman & Nicobar Ecology (SANE), which has been working overtime to protect tribals' interests, says the government's efforts over many decades to 'tame and civilize the tribals and bring them into the mainstream' have rather resulted in hurting them.

Experts say the tribals in the archipelago have been on the wrong side of most of the development plans drawn for the region so far. The government sees the proposed tourism plan fuelling development in the region.

"We are trying to develop the Andaman into a low volume, high yield tourist zone," says Andaman and Nicobar Island's Lieutenant-Governor N N Jha.

Even Jagmohan insists the tourism plan is crucial for the region and it will not hurt the tribals. "The tribes are governed and protected by local laws. It is for the local administration to ensure its implementation", he says. "The plan is to de-reserve 10 islands, relax the coastal regulation zone, reduce airfare and enhance investment limits".

Strangely, even the Union Tribal Welfare Minister Jual Oram is one with the Tourism Minister on the Andaman plan. "Tourism should happen. It will not disturb the tribals. They are a little away. Moreover, we will have restrictions.”