Guerrillas are harassing indigenous authorities in Jambaló, in the
south west department of Cauca in a bid to get them to abandon their
posts.
Local mayor Carlos Andrés Betancour said the Governor, indigenous leaders and local counselors of Jambaló had received a document threatening them. Caracoltv.com reported that the intimidation is part of a retaliation by the FARC against indigenous authorities who oppose drug trafficking in the region.
Despite the threats, indigenous Governor Mauricio Hoyos said that those threatened will not resign.
Indigenous leader Aida Quilcue supported this position. She said that the FARC were motivated by economic interests.
Human rights organizations have expressed ongoing
concern over the impact of drug trafficking related violence on indigenous Colombians.