Leave them alone

Part of the blame for the death of John Allen Chau seems to be in the dilution of the Restricted Area Permit for 29 islands (“Protect indigenous people,” Nov. 28). An obsession with infrastructural development and tourism bodes ill for the survival of the indigenous people. Indeed, the history of colonial occupation of lands belonging to indigenous people all over the world is a tragic and brutal saga of exploitation, even when it has come under the guise of material benevolence. Many such communities are on the verge of extinction. It is imperative that the government protects them.

Firoz Ahmad,

Delhi