PERU - WHAT A SCORCHER

The Southern region of Puno in Peru has been hit by a wave of riots, occupations, blockades and strikes for the last two months as corporate interests have faced off against determined indigenous groups.

In the district of Huacullani, protesters resisting a proposed silver were victorious last Friday (24th) as the government gave in to their demands and annulled Canadian company Bear Creek’s mining concession. The result came after thousands took part in a relentless campaign of strikes, protests and blockades led by indigenous Aymaran organisations (see SchNEWS 680).

In the province of Azángaro,  protesters seized control of the Manco Capac airport and attacked banks and a police station after deadly clashes with police had left a reported six dead and around 40 people badly injured. The violence flared after the area was paralysed by strikes and blockades by thousands of protesters waging a separate campaign against the contamination of the Ramis river.

Other struggles are also taking place right across the region, including protests in Carabaya province against mining concessions and the Inambari hydroelectric power plant and protests in Melgar, Juli, and Sandia over local mines.