Bolivian government imposes martial law in violence-hit Pando province

www.chinaview.cn 2008-09-13 13:11:23

·The Bolivian government on Friday imposed martial law in the northern province of Pando. ·Violence increased in opposition-controlled provinces of Santa Cruz, Tarija, Beni and Pando in Bolivia. ·Morales severely condemned the violence and demanded dialogue with the opposition groups.

LIMA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Bolivian government on Friday imposed martial law in the northern province of Pando where at least nine people have been killed in violent clashes between supporters and opponents of the government.

Bolivian Defense Minister Walker San Miguel, Interior Minister Alfredo Rada and Commander-in-Chief of the Bolivian Armed Forces collectively signed a decree to ban protests and the carrying of weapons in the remote Amazon region.

During the past few weeks, violent acts have increased in the opposition-controlled provinces of Santa Cruz, Tarija, Beni and Pando in Bolivia.

Anti-government protesters continued to blocks roads, occupy public building and destroy public properties to vent their discontent with President Evo Morales' social and economic policies.

On Thursday, at least nine Bolivians were killed, 34 were injured and many others went missing in violent clashes caused by anti-government protests in Pando.

The deadly incident occurred in a village 13 km from Cobija. On Thursday morning, some Cobija residents who oppose Morales' policies were engaged in a heavy fighting with local villagers, using pistols, choppers and batons.

Morales severely condemned the violence and demanded dialogue with the opposition groups, which, however, ignored his call.

The Bolivian opposition rightists, which control large parts of the country's wealthier eastern regions, demand more autonomy and a higher share of the oil and gas revenues. Most of Bolivia's oil and gas reserves are located in the eastern part of the country.

The opposition groups also demand full restitution of the Direct Tax on Hydrocarbons, which Morales reduced by 30 percent to found the so-called Rent of Dignity, which is aimed at helping people over 60 years old who do not have a pension.

The opposition is also against holding a referendum to approve the new Political Constitution, which was approved by parliament last December.

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