About 200 indigenous Tzotzil people in Chenalhó, Chiapas state, denounced this week that they were forced to flee their homes due to the climate of violence created by armed conflict in the region. The families, mostly women and children, pointed out that some of their members had been killed and their land burned in continuous shootings that made it impossible to live in their place of origin.
The conflict arises from a dispute between two cities, Santa Martha and Aldama, over a piece of land of at least twenty hectares that lies between the two locations. A few months ago, an agreement was reached on the division of the area, but various disagreements arose within the residents of Santa Martha, which led to an armed conflict.
The displaced left behind their clothing, animals and crops, which is why they have set up precarious camps in areas like Majomut between Polhó and Acteal. The army has made at least one unsuccessful incursion into the area due to pressure from the indigenous people on the authorities to restore security in the community.
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