 |
| Siglo XXI |
A new and complex scenario is again taking place in the region of Tierra Caliente. It is not easy to distinguish the actions of one group to another, which is why we think that it is necessary to take great caution with different information that is spreading. For now, we leave this photographic work which shows a disputed region, a territory that that does not match the peaceful life that those who live in want. The Mexican state lies-as usual- in their statements of stability and peace and it is responsible for having generated more violence rather than taking the role of listening and serving the people.
Photos By: Alan Ortega
Text By: Heriberto Paredes
Translated by Valor for Borderland Beat
On Sunday, December 14, 2014, in a much similiar way as what occurred in late February 2013, a large number of autodefensas took up arms in the Michoacán region known as Tierra Caliente. However, the demands are different from those that prompted the first uprising, now they are also fighting for the release of 383 autodefensas who are still locked up in various prisons, including Dr. José Mireles Valverde.
Another demand is the dismissal of Viceroy Alfredo Castillo, the special commissioner who was supposed to pacify the state, and for the extermination of the Fuerzas Rurales, the police force created by the federal government to incorporate various autodefensa groups within the institutional structure. It should be noted that a considerable number of members of the Caballeros Templarios-identified and denounced by the same autodefensas and residents of the region-were covered up in this police force, and with the uniform and permission to carry arms, continued to commit abuses and crimes with impunity.
Another demand is the dismissal of Viceroy Alfredo Castillo, the special commissioner who was supposed to pacify the state, and for the extermination of the Fuerzas Rurales, the police force created by the federal government to incorporate various autodefensa groups within the institutional structure. It should be noted that a considerable number of members of the Caballeros Templarios-identified and denounced by the same autodefensas and residents of the region-were covered up in this police force, and with the uniform and permission to carry arms, continued to commit abuses and crimes with impunity.
Apatzingán, Buenavista Tomatlán, Tepalcatepec, Parácuaro, Cuatro Caminos, Peribán, Los Reyes, Huetamo, and Uruapan were among some of the towns who saw this new uprising occur with more than 30 blockades. Also, throughout the day, several contingents of the Fuerzas Rurales-mostly groups of ex-Templarios- were present in the streets and roads in the region and, were trying to take advantage of the situation and confuse the population, burning their uniforms to “join” the uprising and to legitimize themselves in front of the people. For this reason, autodefensas who always remained as such, decided to confront them and highlight their deception. These are the complex characteristics that make up the new episode of this process, which, added to the state and national situation, comes to intensify this socio-political context in all its meanings and dimensions.
In the series of photographs we can see the blockades to roads that were carried out on the road known as Siglo XXI located in the outskirts of Uruapan. (Additional Hi-Res Photos can be found in the source link)
Unlike what Alfredo Castillo says to the mainstream media, organized crime has not been put to a halt and on the contrary, has strengthened between the reconfigurations of groups and under the guise of the Fuerza Rural.
There is a dispute over control of the territory of Michoacán, esbecually between the autodefensas- who seek to kick out criminals from their towns and an actual implementation of justice in all necessary cases- and organized crime who are sometimes shown as state security forces, and in others as members of Los Viagras (hitmen and criminals who, under the shelter of the government and the Caballeros Templarios, continue with their criminal activities and violent acts) and ultimately, as autodefensas.
A new and complex scenario is again taking place in the region of Tierra Caliente. It is not easy to distinguish the actions of one group to another, which is why we think that it is necessary to take great caution with different information that is spreading. For now, we leave this photographic work which shows a disputed region, a territory that that does not match the peaceful life that those who live in want. The Mexican state lies-as usual- in their statements of stability and peace and it is responsible for having generated more violence rather than taking the role of listening and serving the people.
Source: SubVersiones