New Delhi, Aug 9 (IANS): Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh Monday objected to calling the native tribals of Andaman and Nicobar "primitive tribes" even as their decreasing numbers continue to be a major concern.
"We must stop using the term primitive, use the term original inhabitants," Ramesh said while replying to supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha.
Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas, Sentinelese and Shompens are the identified tribes from the islands.
"They are away from the mainstream. They are original Negroids who migrated from Africa, how the local administration saves them is a challenge," Ramesh said.