Peru’s government suspended some civil rights on Monday in remote jungle regions where Indian groups are blocking highways and oil and gas installations to protest a law that makes it easier to sell their lands.
The 30-day decree published in the official gazette suspends rights to public gatherings and free transit in three northern provinces.
It follows nine days of protests by members of 65 Indian tribes and a clash on Saturday in northern Peru between police and hundreds of spear-carrying Indians with painted faces. Lima newspaper El Comercio reported eight officers and four protesters were injured, but police declined to give details.
Peruvian Environment Minister Antonio Brack said protesters have closed a bridge and highway “and threatened to cut the supply of oil via the oil pipeline and gas through the Camisea gas pipeline.”
“The government of Peru cannot permit it,” Brack said.
Alberto Pizango, president of an Indian rights group speaking for the protesters, warned the government to be “very careful” as it attempts to bring order to the affected regions.
“This is not an ordinary or everyday demonstration,” Pizango told reporters. “The Indians have told us they are not afraid. If the government declares a state of emergency they prefer to die there and show that this government violates human rights.”
The protests began when the Indians blocked an important natural gas installation and oil pipeline in northern Peru. The Camisea natural gas installation is operated by a consortium led by Pluspetrol Peru Corp. The northeastern oil pipeline is run by Peru’s state oil company.
Talks broke off on Friday when the protesters refused to negotiate with the environment minister and demanded to meet with Cabinet chief Jorge Del Castillo.
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