# Shompen told to adopt modern lifestyle for GNI project, Tribal Council alleges 2026-08-12T22:14:59+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Tribal leaders have accused the Andaman and Nicobar administration of wanting to force the Shompen, an isolated hunter-gatherer tribe of fewer than 300, into a 'modern lifestyle' as part of the ₹91,000-crore Great Nicobar Island project. The Tribal Council of Great and Little Nicobar alleged that during a July 16 meeting, then-Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar said the Shompen 'cannot continue' their current way of life and must adopt modern ways. Kumar, now Union Labour Secretary, did not respond to queries. The council said its concerns about the project and wildlife sanctuaries notified without tribal consent were ignored. A follow-up meeting is scheduled later this week. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: Andaman administration, GNI project, Great Nicobar Island, PVTG, Shompen, Tribal Council Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/shompen-told-to-adopt-modern-lifestyle-for-gni-project-tribal-council-alleges/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/shompen-told-to-adopt-modern-lifestyle-for-gni-project-tribal-council-alleges/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.