Peru declares state of emergency in 3 provinces over protests
Last Updated (Beijing Time):2008-08-19 16:31
Peruvian government on Monday declared a state of emergency in three northern provinces where indigenous groups are holding protests against a law that they believe will deprive them of their land. Police said eight policemen and two indigens have been injured.
The state of emergency was imposed in the provinces of Bagua and Utcubamba in northern Peru and the nearby province of Datem del Maranon.
According to Peruvian law, the measure will affect the personal rights of freedom and security in those provinces.
The government also reaffirmed their willingness to discuss with the indigenous groups if they agree to end their protests.
The indigenous groups, who have been on demonstrations since Aug. 9, demanded the annulment of a law that makes it easier for big companies to buy land owned collectively by communities.
The indigenous groups also asked for a stricter environmental control of the oil companies of the Amazonia and that they pay them part of the profits from exploitation.
The indigenous groups’ protests intensified on Friday after the negotiations with the Environment Minister Antonio Brack failed.
The protests was initiated by the Inter-Ethnic Association of Development of the Peruvian Jungle (Aidisep) and was followed by at least 40 indigenous communities.
The protests have blocked the land and river transport in many jurisdiction of the Peruvian jungle.
Source:Xinhuanet
Related Video:
VIDEO: Crackdown on Peru Indian Protest
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/08/080819-protest-video-ap.html
