[Marxism] Amazon Indigenous declare insurgency against Peru

[Stuart Munckton]

Amazon Indians declare 'insurgency' against Peru

   - May 17, 2009

http://www.smh.com.au/world/amazon-indians-declare-insurgency-against-peru-20090516-b6pw.html

Amazon Indians who have been blocking roads, waterways and a state oil
pipeline since April are declaring an "insurgency" against Peru's government
for refusing to repeal laws that the protesters say make it easier for
foreign companies to take their lands, a national Indian representative said
on Friday.

Peruvian officials warned that Indians participating in any uprising could
be charged with sedition.

The Indians contend the laws - passed with special powers granted to
President Alan Garcia to implement the Peru-US free trade pact that went
into affect in February - open the door to privatisation of their communal
jungle lands and water resources for oil drilling, logging, mining and
large-scale farming.

Alberto Pizango, president of the Peruvian Jungle Inter-Ethnic Development
Association, said the insurgency declaration means the Indians "refuse to
recognise the authority" of the government. Instead, they will obey their
ancestral laws and view any government security forces on their lands as an
"external aggression."

The government "wants to take our lands and hand them over to giant
multinationals for the oil, lumber, gold and other riches there that are
coveted by the world's rich," said Pizango, who met with chief Cabinet
Minister Yehude Simon on Wednesday in a failed effort to resolve the
dispute.

President Alan Garcia has prioritised foreign oil investment in the Amazon,
where the government owns the rights to underground resources. Indians say
his government does not consult them in good faith before signing contracts
with oil companies.

A Duke University study published last year said contract blocks for oil and
gas exploration cover approximately 72 per cent of Peru's rainforest.

Pizango said the Indians are willing to give their lives to defend the land
and will radicalise protests that include at least 30,000 Indians across six
provinces. Indians have clashed with police while blocking highways,
waterways, airports and the flow of oil in a state pipeline.

Garcia declared a state of emergency and suspended some constitutional
rights in four jungle provinces May 9, a month after the Indians began their
protests. Justice Minister Rosario Fernandez said Friday that Indians
participating in the insurgency face five to 10 years in prison for
sedition.

Human rights and environmental groups, Peru's ombudsman office and nine
Roman Catholic bishops stationed in the Amazon side with the Indians,
calling for the repeal of the laws. They say the government should respect
an International Labour Organisation accord protecting Indians' right to
consultation on the use of their lands.

Congress is set to debate the issue next week.



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