Chivís Martínez for Borderland Beat
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BB asked; willthenew groups have latitude or need permission by state or feds to advance?
Autodefensa members wait while their arms are registered in Múgica, Michoacan on April 29.
Foto by Hans-Maximo Musielik for Vice
Autodefensas No More: New Name Same StruggleAs the much touted May 10th deadline looms near, a flurry of meetings have transpired between Autodefensas General Council Leaders, led by Dr. Manuel Mireles, federal and state representatives.
Leading up to the past week, Autodefensas position was unchanged, in demanding the agreements of January and April be adhered to. For their part, the federal government insisted they would make good on the agreements, and the state simply published a schedule for weapon registration, dates approaching the May 10th deadline.
In lieu of official shirts I created these to depict each group
But that was then; this is what is happening now:
There will not be a May 10th deadline, registration will continue and is expected to draw 2000 or more.
From the 11th of May (supposedly the transition will be ready) there will be no “AUTODEFENSAS” vehicle decals or "AUTODEFENSA" T-shirts.
In its place inscriptions will be “GUARDIAS RURALES" or "DEFENZAS RURALES” which will effectively represent government institutions.
The Government will provide uniforms, vehicles weapons, training and salaries. [Unknown it the logos to be used or the look]
Under the charge of SEDENA [The Mexican Secretariat of National Defense] They will be the "RURAL DEFENZAS"
Under the charge of one of the state agencies they will become “GUARDIAS RURALES"
Answer: All movement will be agreed with the federal Government.
BB asked; and the imprisoned autodefensas? Will they be released?
Answer: They must be set free
I know what BB readers are thinking "Is this a good thing?", my answer is; it is necessary. What will happen? I am hoping against hope that the brave autodefensas, federal government, and state government will continue their excellent work against Caballeros Templarios, moving on to cartels in general they may attempt to control Michoacán , secure law and order, and fair practices of justice. I must add a disclaimer; I am waiting to exhale. I feel both relieved and leery.
I know what BB readers are thinking "Is this a good thing?", my answer is; it is necessary. What will happen? I am hoping against hope that the brave autodefensas, federal government, and state government will continue their excellent work against Caballeros Templarios, moving on to cartels in general they may attempt to control Michoacán , secure law and order, and fair practices of justice. I must add a disclaimer; I am waiting to exhale. I feel both relieved and leery.
Some media outlets are mistakenly referring to this as a “disarmament”, it is an "armament" now free of questions regarding legality.
The advance and search continues, with better defined and cooperation of state and federal agencies.
Bottom line Dr. Mireles says there is a new look, “PERO LA LUCHA CONTINUARA”
[“But the fight continues”]