Andaman: UK NGO says 'human safaris' still on

'Human safaris' in the Andaman and Nicobar islands were still continuing, an international organisation working for the protection of tribal rights alleged on Thursday.

One of the first to highlight unethical contact with the Jarawa tribe in the islands, Survival International, said a secret recording of a tour operator telling an undercover journalist to provide Rs 10-15,000 to pay off the police proved that the infamous 'human safaris' were still happening.

The Indian government has ordered a probe into reports by 'The Observer' that Jarawa tribes were being lured into dancing and parading for the benefit of tourists in the islands.     

The undercover recording was done by journalist Gethin Chamberlain, the organisation said.

Asked how much a trip to see the Jarawa tribe would cost, the Port Blair-based tour operator says in the recording: "For the trip, uh, vehicle and… all like Rs 25 to 30,000 like that. Because the policeman take 10 to 15 like that. And vehicle and some gift to the tribals also… like fruits, biscuits...".

It is alleged that the latest video was shot ten years ago, before precautions were put in place, but the new audio recording proves that they continued today, Survival International said.

Survival's Director Stephen Corry said: "This recording provides concrete proof that human safaris are still occurring. The only reason that they are still occurring is because of the Andaman Trunk Road through the Jarawa reserve".