Indigenous Uprising

An uprising by Indigenous people in Peru has resulted in the suspension of a controversial Forestry and Wildlife law. The law was part of numerous degrees that President Alan Garcia passed through special powers awarded by Congress last year with the goal of having Peru meet rules set in a free trade agreement with the U.S. The decrees made it easier for oil, mining and logging companies to operate on indigenous lands.
On Friday, the National Police attacked a roadblock near the city of Bagua. About 2,500 Indigenous people had blocked the main road to protest the government actions to sell the land to which the people belong. The resulting clash left approximately 24 Police Officers killed and 9 Amazonian natives killed. More than 50 people were injured. Look for the Government to arrive with pen and treaty where bullets and bombs have failed.