The Chilean government has declared a state of emergency in the south of the country, shaken by escalating violence caused by the ongoing conflict between the state and indigenous groups, Reuters reported.
Interior Minister Ischia Siches declared a state of emergency last night. The measure allows the army to guard routes and roads in areas at the epicenter of the conflict.
Several Mapuche groups want land returned to their ancestors. Logging companies are now operating in these areas.
In recent years, sabotage and the burning of homes, trucks and equipment have increased in the area. The violence claimed the lives of several people, including local activists, security forces and loggers.
Siches said President Gabriel Boric’s government plans to allocate 400 billion pesos (about $ 470 million) to public infrastructure projects in the area, along with previously announced plans to promote land restitution and establish an indigenous ministry.
The new state of emergency is more limited than imposed by the previous government. During his presidential campaign, Boric said he did not intend to renew the state of emergency imposed by his predecessor, Sebastian Pinera, which was extended several times but ended in March.
Source: BTA
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