Development and tribal protection in Great Nicobar not mutually exclusive: Jual Oram
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram defended the Great Nicobar Island project, asserting that development and tribal protection can coexist. He emphasized that the project is crucial for India's strategic interests and does not displace any tribal habitation. Oram also addressed concerns regarding the consent of the Shompen community, stating that existing laws sufficiently protect tribal rights.
- ▪Jual Oram stated that development and tribal protection are not mutually exclusive and can coexist.
- ▪He emphasized the importance of the Great Nicobar project for India's strategic interests and regional development.
- ▪Oram claimed that no tribal habitation would be displaced as part of the project, countering allegations from opposition leaders.
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Responding to former Environment Minister and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh over allegations that the Centre’s Great Nicobar Island project violates tribal communities’ forest rights, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said, “Development and tribal protection are not mutually exclusive and can coexist through robust measures.”In his response on Thursday (May 21, 2026), Mr. Oram stressed that as a regional power, “India cannot afford to leave strategically decisive geographies underdeveloped”. Mr. Oram said the Forest Rights Act operates in addition to existing laws such as the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulations of 1956 (PAT56), which sufficiently “protects habitats, restricts external extrusion, and preserves aboriginal ways of life”.
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