Forgotten Roots: The Story of PRE42 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

PRE42 Community of Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Past, Present, and Future

By Vikkramjeet

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their serene beauty and cultural diversity. But hidden beneath the waves of natural charm lies a community with a powerful story of struggle, survival, and strength — the PRE42 community. Often misunderstood and overlooked, this group has a history worth telling and a future that deserves attention.

Who are the PRE42 Community?

“PRE42” refers to the settlers and their descendants who arrived in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands before 1942 — before the Japanese occupation during World War II. These were families who made the Islands their home during the British colonial era, many brought in for administrative work, agriculture, or as part of penal settlements.

Over time, they became permanent residents — living through war, political transitions, and natural challenges, while contributing immensely to the socio-economic development of the islands.

The Past: Struggles Rooted in Survival

The PRE42 community witnessed some of the most brutal chapters of Andaman history:

Japanese Occupation (1942–45): Families suffered intense hardships, including forced labor, violence, and displacement. Many lost their lives.

Post-Independence Neglect: While other settlers were resettled and given land or support by the Indian government after independence, the PRE42 community often found themselves excluded from schemes or denied proper recognition.

No Legal Identity: For decades, their status remained vague. Many did not have proper documents or ownership of the land they had cultivated for generations.


The Present: An Identity in Crisis

Even today, in the age of digital India, the PRE42 community faces systemic invisibility:

No ST Status or Special Reservation: Unlike some other communities on the islands, PRE42 residents are not given Scheduled Tribe status, despite being native for over a century.

Land Rights Issues: Many still struggle to get patta (legal land documents) for the land their forefathers settled.

Employment & Education Gaps: With no targeted schemes or reservations, access to higher education and government jobs remains minimal.


Despite this, the community remains resilient and hardworking, contributing to agriculture, small businesses, and local governance in various ways.

The Future: A Hope for Justice

The demand from PRE42 groups is not charity — it's justice and recognition. Their future depends on:

1. Legal Recognition

The central and UT administration must formally recognize the PRE42 community as original settlers and define their rights under law. This includes:

Land ownership protection

Local status certificates

Inclusion in development schemes


2. Equal Opportunities

Without targeted support in education, jobs, and business, generations may continue to struggle. Special reservation or local quota systems could help uplift youth from the community.

3. Cultural Preservation

The community has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by pre-independence India, Southeast Asian history, and local island traditions. Their festivals, food, and languages must be preserved, promoted, and documented officially.

4. Political Representation

Currently underrepresented in decision-making bodies, they deserve a voice at the policy table — through Panchayati Raj, statehood discussions, or local councils.

Challenges Ahead

The PRE42 community faces several modern challenges:

Climate Change: Rising sea levels and cyclones put rural and coastal PRE42 habitations at risk.

Youth Migration: Lack of opportunities forces many young people to leave the islands.

Documentation Maze: Bureaucratic red tape delays everything — from domicile certificates to land titles.


But with government support and public awareness, these are solvable.

Conclusion: Recognize, Respect, Restore

The PRE42 community of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is not just a part of the past — it is the soul of the Islands’ legacy. Their journey from British-era settlers to modern Indians is full of pain, pride, and perseverance.

It’s time for India to recognize this unique group, respect their contributions, and restore their rightful place in the narrative of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

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