A Besieged Indigenous People Show The Absurdity Of Colombia's Endless War

A Besieged Indigenous People Show The Absurdity Of Colombia's Endless War

In Colombia, caught between the army and guerrillas who have been fighting each other for 60 years, the Nasa people are asking the warring parties to go fight somewhere else. It is resonating across the country.

By Marie Delcas

LE MONDE/Worldcrunch
July 24th, 2012 - 14:07

BOGOTA - "Fight your war somewhere else!" The cry rings out in the southwestern Colombian Department of Cauca, where the Nasa Indians are demanding that the army and guerrilla factions they are fighting leave their territory.

Violent clashes are now pitting the army against the Nasa people in the Andean village of Toribio whilst talks have begun between indigenous leaders, officials and delegates from the United Nations in an attempt to resolve the situation.

The day before, a 22-year-old indigenous person had been killed "by mistake" at an army roadblock in the neighboring village of Calaoto, and locals detained those responsible for the blunder for several hours. The Association of Indigenous Governments of North Cauca have declared themselves to be in a state of 'permanent resistance.'

~snip~
Fighting lasted three days with a dozen Indians injured, including a woman who lost both of her legs. Exasperated, the Indians issued an ultimatum for the army, demanding that they leave the village before midnight, July 16. Out of the question, responded Juan Manuel Santos, the Head of State who has ruled out demilitarizing even "one square centimeter" of national territory.

More:
http://www.worldcrunch.com/besieged-indigenous-people-show-absurdity-colombias-endless-war/5923
All rights reserved ©Worldcrunch - in partnership with Le Monde