Indigenous leader Feliciano Valencia denies police statements that the
FARC has infiltrated the indigenous protest in Cauca that led to
serious clashes with riot police Tuesday.
According to police, the guerrillas had infiltrated the indigenous protest and were making the native Colombians throw potato bombs to the police.
Valencia told newspaper El Espectador that Cauca government intelligence had told him the FARC would try an attempt to take his life, something he says is in conflict with the security forces’ version.
According to the indigenous leaders, the police and not the protesters were throwing potato bombs.
The riots following the blocking of the main highway between Cauca and Valle left one person dead and 32 people injured. According to the police riots again broke out Wednesday morning, but the security forces were able to take control over the Panamerican highway.
The protesters say the State hasn’t kept their promise about
the return of land stolen by paramilitaries, health care and education and demand talks with the Government.
The
indigenous also demand protection from paramilitary groups that have
murdered several indigenous leaders over the past few months.