Christian, Hindu relief groups clash in Andaman Archipelago exasperate tsunami survivors

Port Blair – The tsunami–affected natives of Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago who are struggling to get over with the tragedy and rebuild their lives are now beginning to face problems of a different sort as certain Christian and Hindu groups battle it out to decide who would run and control the relief camps, both seemingly unconcerned of the plights of the tsunami survivors.

"How can you be fighting over victims?" asked a dazed and shocked Mohammed Shaheen, who has just arrived after a navy ship picked him up from Katchal island, where about half the 8,800 residents are still missing.

Shaheen stood helplessly outside a relief camp as Christian and Hindu groups argued over who would run it.

Mohammed Shaheen, who survived the tsunami that devastated Andaman and Nicobar islands, stands outside a relief camp as Christian and Hindu groups argue over who would run it.

Whereas Christian relief agencies claimed that the administration in Port Blair gave them the camp, the Hindu group, affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) insisted that the camp was theirs. After some time, the two groups worked out a compromise – the two groups would run the camp in alternate weeks – but it was too late.

Shaheen, disgusted and embittered, packed his bags and took his family to another relief camp on Bamboo Flat island, 45 km (30 miles) from Port Blair.

"We are more comfortable here, there is no dispute here," he said smugly, standing outside the tented camp on a hillside overlooking a smashed jetty.