New Delhi, Mar 5 (UNI) Arrest of tribal leaders by the Betul district authorities for their attempt to take to 'gandhigiri' by playing Holi with their collector, drew flak from civil rights activists here today.

The activists, associated with Janhastakshep, a ''people's intervention group'', condemned the district authorities for not allowing tribal leaders to play 'Holi' which had been an annual feature there.

In order to develop 'sadbhavna' and win over officials indifference towards their problems, District President of Samajwadi Jan Parishad Mangal Singh and two others reached Betul collectorate with 100 other tribals on March three to play Holi there.

Mr Singh had given a prior request letter to the collector regarding their 'Holi' programme.

However, they were greeted with heavy police force at the collectorate gate. A banner saying section 144 has been clamped in the collectorate and announcement of similar imposition in all the other government office was also made.

The tribals waited for an hour and finally left after distributing leaflets, Janhastakshep leader Samshul Islam said in a release.

The leaflets pertained to request over officers alleged indifference towards issues like below poverty line survey, action on irregularties and timely payment and compensation of work done under EGA, rate for plucking tendu leaf.

The tribals were later arrested from near Nehru park and taken to nearby police line. They were also allegedly manhandled by the police.

A police case was registered against Mr Singh and others under section 151 of IPC.

Thereafter, the tribals staged a protest dharna till late night at local square Lalli Chowk, the release added.

UNI