Moada, in a statement, also condemned the Kelantan government’s demolition of the blockade and use of force in the incident.
Moada president Bob Manolan Mohamad said those arrested, who had been taken to the Gua Musang police station, should be set free at once.
“I’m asking that those arrested be released immediately as they have wives and children waiting for them at home.
“Who is going to support their families? Why did they (police) also take their bikes?”
Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (Joas) secretary Nasir Dollah also condemned the arrests, that he alleged were upon the orders of the Kelantan government after they had claimed to have suffered a RM500 million loss due to the blockade.
Earlier, Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said the issue of logging near the Orang Asli settlement in Gua Musang could be resolved if no one instigated the Orang Asli.
On Oct 3, the state government ordered a freeze on logging activities in the Balah permanent forest reserve in Gua Musang after 200 villagers formed a blockade in late September to prevent lorries from transporting extracted timber out of the reserve.
The Orang Asli claimed the logging activities near their homes were adversely affecting the environment and their livelihoods.
Bob said the Kelantan government should honour the deputy menteri besar’s promise to meet the folk of Gua Musang for a discussion.