The National Confederation of Communities Affected by Mining (Conacami) said in a press release that the Aymara and Quechua peoples of Puno region are reporting the recent murder of six peasant leaders who played a significant role in the struggle against oil and mining corporations in that part of the country.

The organization claims the crimes have become a customary practice by the different administrations, which end up “endorsing” these abuses by not finding the responsible ones.

In an interview with La voz de los movimientos, Conacami leader Pablo Salas, from Puno region, confirmed the report of the six peasants who had been murdered and complained because the claims before the regional and national authorities “have not been heard”.

According to the leader of the Peruvian organization, this situation of impunity began to expand during the 90s and it continued in the recent years.

The letter sent to Anaya points out that Alan Garcia’s administration has “ordered the killing” of the indigenous peoples determined to defend the environment, life and territory.

According to the letter there are currently over 4,000 applications for mining and oil concessions in Peru, of which 1,500 already have the corresponding authorization.

“70% of the territory of the region has been granted to transnational corporations for mining and oil activities, funded by European and US financial corporations. 30% of the territory has been left to indigenous communities, where the agriculture and cattle raising activities will take place”, report the residents of Puno, a historical cattle and agriculture farming region. They say these activities are part of the daily life of Quechuas and Aymaras”.

Photo: www.conacami.org