Car Nicobar tribes elect new chiefs

Car Nicobar, June 19 (UNI) In the recently held elections to the Car Nicobar Tribal Council (CNTC), Mr Aberdeen Blair and Mr Champerlaine Paul have been unanimously elected as Chief Captain and Vice-Chief Captain.

Spokesperson of the CNTC Martin Luther said here today that the oath-taking ceremony for the chief and vice-chief captain was held at the Church of the Epiphany, which was worst hit in the 2004 tsunami.

Bishop of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Diocese Rt Rev Christopher Paul administered the oath to both the elected captains, he added.

The Nicobar Group of Islands are mainly dominated by Nicobari tribes of Mongoloid origin, apart from Shompen tribes and four other negrito tribes of Andaman Group - Jarawa, Sentinelese, Onge and Great Andamanese.

Since the British era, the tribal community of Nicobar District has been governed by 'Chief Captains', who are elected by all the captains of different tribal villages by secret ballot under the observation of the Centre.

Mr Luther said Mr Aberdeen Blair, a well-known tribal leader, had been elected for the second time as Chief Captain. His first stint in the office was from October 6, 1996.

He added that Mr Champerlaine Paul had been elected for the first time as the vice chief-captain, following the vacancy caused by the death of former Vice-Chief Captain Mr Haji Ebrahim Ali Hussain.

Besides, a special prayer was conduced to bless the new chief captain and vice-chief captain.

Later, a 'fatia' was organised as a special tribute to Late Haji Hussain at Chukchucha village, Mr Luther said.

Senior Government officials of Andaman and Nicobar Administration, all village Captains of Car Nicobar and the associates of the late leader from Port Blair attended the 'fatia' and offered prayers for the departed soul.

UNI