While the inhabitants of Pantelhó, Chiapasthey cried out for help from the authorities, after two days of clashes, society, catholic church and human rights defenders demanded that state governments y federal protection for the population.
In a statement, the inhabitants request “immediate intervention in the municipality, since their commitment as agencies is to preserve freedom, order and public peace; as well as safeguarding the integrity and rights of people through the prevention of the commission of crimes such as insecurity, violence and the racketeering”.
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They indicated that panic broke out among the inhabitants in the town due to disputes for power on the part of the self-defense groups. The Machetewho have clashes with the so-called Indigenous Civil Army (made up of members of The Herrerasallegedly linked to Jalisco New Generation Cartel), another armed group that rose up to “safeguard” the residents of pantelhó; Furthermore, they indicated that they have no electricity is telephone signal.
The statement indicates that the self-defense groups (supposedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel) once again act with excessive violence against the people, since they threatened the Government due to the disagreement they had with the municipal council.
“We request and implore immediate help, we do not want the machetes nor to The Herreras governing the people. The only thing we ask is for peace and for the corresponding authorities to do their job,” they concluded.
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CHURCH DEMANDS ACTIONS
The diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas and the parishes of Santa Catarina and San Pedro Apóstol, in the communities of Chenalho y Pantelhó, They demanded that the authorities stop insecurity and defend the rights of the communities. They questioned whether organized crime is protected by the Army and the Guard National.
For their part, human rights defenders issued a statement in which they denounce “the omission and total abandonment of the Secretary of Government of the state of Chiapasas well as the violation of political rights also the violation of the rights of indigenous peoples” due to violence in pantelhó.
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He Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas Human Rights Center (Frayba) accused in a statement that “he has received direct information from victims of violence by armed groups linked to organized crime, which consequently have forcibly displaced women, girls, boys and men inhabitants of the communities of San José Tercero, San Francisco, el Roblar and the head of the municipality of Pantelhó.
“They report to us that armed actions have spread to the communities: Chimix Scissors, Jabaltón and La Esperanza, belonging to the municipality of Chenalhó, Chiapas. In both municipalities they have had to forcibly move around 3,400 people”.
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THEY TREAT TO STAY IN MAYOR’S OFFICE
Last Tuesday night, members of The Machete they took the headquarters of the alcaldía of Pantelhó, because they assured that in the municipal council there are members of The Herreraslinked to racketeering.
In a video circulating on social networks, the self-defense groups threaten to remain there until “the Government attend to the request of the people.”
Last august, the remarkable elections to elect local authorities were canceled to “avoid a bloodbath” due to the dispute between both groups.
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THEY FLEE TO SAN CRISTÓBAL
Last August, a resident of this municipal seat warned that: “80 percent of the people are in San Cristóbal, Almost everyone has left, there are almost no people in Pantelhó, so much chaos they do The Machetes”.
He explained that this group maintains blockades and that the community is kidnapped, because it has neither entrance nor exit, since if they remove the objects with which they block, they put them back; In addition, they seek to have their own municipal council.
Related
What are the key factors contributing to the violence in Pantelhó, Chiapas?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Human Rights Expert on the Situation in Pantelhó, Chiapas
Time.news Editor: good day, and welcome to Time.news. Today we have with us Dr. Maria Lopez, a renowned human rights expert and researcher focused on the socio-political dynamics in Mexico, particularly in regions like Chiapas. Dr. Lopez,thank you for joining us.
Dr. Maria Lopez: Thank you for having me.It’s a crucial time to discuss the situation in Pantelhó.
Editor: Certainly. The recent clashes in Pantelhó have brought to light the urgent need for state and federal intervention. Can you explain what has led to such a desperate call for help from the residents?
Dr. lopez: Absolutely. The situation in Pantelhó is rooted in a complex mix of local power struggles and the insidious influence of organized crime. The clashes have predominantly been between self-defense groups, specifically “Los Machetes” and the Indigenous Civil Army, affiliated with the Herreras and allegedly linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Residents fear not only for their safety but also for the erosion of their community rights and autonomy.
Editor: It’s alarming to hear that these groups are in conflict. The residents have specifically requested the authorities to protect them from violence and racketeering.What barriers might thay face in receiving that assistance?
Dr. Lopez: There are meaningful barriers. First,there’s a lack of trust in local and federal authorities,as many communities perceive them as either ineffective or complicit in the actions of organized crime.Additionally, these regions often lack basic services such as electricity and communication, which complicates their ability to seek help. The physical and psychological panic that has gripped the town makes it all the more challenging for residents to organize a coherent plea for assistance.
Editor: The diocese of San cristóbal de las Casas, as well as local parishes, have also expressed their demands for action against this insecurity. How significant is the role of religious institutions in these scenarios?
Dr. Lopez: The involvement of religious institutions is crucial. They provide moral support, act as mediators, and help amplify the voices of the community. In areas where state structures fail, religious organizations can serve as a safety net, offering both emotional and practical assistance. Their calls for intervention can pressure authorities to act, highlighting the urgent need for human rights protections.
Editor: Given these complexities,what can be done to create a path toward peace and justice for the residents of Pantelhó?
Dr. Lopez: Establishing peace requires a multi-faceted approach: immediate humanitarian support, robust engagement with local communities to rebuild trust in the authorities, and extensive security strategies that do not rely solely on militarization.It’s also vital to address the root causes of violence,such as poverty and systemic inequality,which are prevalent in chiapas. Long-term investment in social programs,education,and infrastructure can help stabilize the region.
Editor: Thank you, Dr.Lopez, for sharing your insights on this pressing humanitarian crisis. The situation in Pantelhó is indeed urgent, and we hope for a swift response that prioritizes the rights and safety of its residents.
Dr. Lopez: thank you for highlighting this issue. It’s essential that we continue to keep the conversation alive and advocate for the people of Pantelhó.