Including the Sangha President J P Raju, Virajpet taluk unit head J K Ramu, Madikeri taluk unit head Kudiyara Muttappa, ZP former member R K Chandru, police arrested several members and released later.

‘Fake’ environmentalists
Though the Union government passed the Bill on December 12, 2006, upholding the traditional rights of the forest dwellers and tribals, the State government has failed to enforce the same. The ‘fake’ environmentalists have been the hurdle behind this, the protesters alleged.

There is lack of awareness in the State government regarding the implementation of the Bill. The harassment on tribals has continued. They are leading an unstable li fe without getting justice from the government. Living inside prison is better than this, the activists rued.

Earlier to this, the protesters took out a jatha from Sudarshan Circle to the Deputy Commissioner’s office via General Thimmaiah Circle and staged a rasta roko near the City police station.

The tribals performed their traditional art genres on the occasion. After 15 minutes, police arrested the activists and took them to Maitri Bhavan. They were released after registering the cases.