Six people killed in Peru anti-mining protest

Six people killed in Peru anti-mining protest

2011-06-26 04:04:44 GMT+7 (ICT)

LIMA (BNO NEWS) -- At least six people were killed in violent clashes with Peruvian police in the southeastern city of Juliaca, La República reported on Saturday.

Protesters were trying to take over the Manco Cápac International Airport in Juliaca on Friday when security forces opened fire in an attempt to prevent the crowd from tearing down the fence. At least six people were killed, while almost 50 demonstrators were also injured.

Thousands of residents have been urging the government to implement a recovery project for the Ramis River, which is seriously affected by mining. The protests took place while the government was negotiating with regional and local representatives the residents' demand and other environmental issues affecting the area.

On Saturday, following the deadly clashes, the Peruvian government agreed to put an end to the private mining project in an attempt to end the strike that has affected the department of Puno for almost a month. However, the Aymara leader, who represented the residents, said that the strike will not end until the decision is officially published.

On Wednesday, at least three people were killed when Peruvian students clashed with police in a rally against a new university project in the central region of Huancavelica.

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