Shompen
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)
The Shompen are the indigenous inhabitants of the interior rainforests of Great Nicobar Island. With an estimated population of around 300 individuals, they are one of India's smallest and most isolated tribal communities, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). The PVTG category was introduced in 1975 under the recommendations of the Dhebar Commission to identify tribal groups with declining or stagnant populations, pre-agricultural economies, and geographic isolation. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs administers the scheme. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956 establishes tribal reserves on Great Nicobar and restricts unauthorised entry.
- Population: approximately 300 individuals (one of India's smallest PVTGs)
- PVTG status: recognised since 1975–76 under the PVTG scheme (now 75 PVTGs in India across 18 states and UTs)
- Nodal ministry: Ministry of Tribal Affairs
- Legal protection: Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956 — establishes tribal reserves, restricts entry
- Additional framework: Forest Rights Act, 2006 — recognises individual and community forest rights of scheduled tribes
- The 355 acres of protected/deemed forest in question form part of the Shompen's traditional territory
● Tracked since April 10, 2026 · last seen June 12, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes