Peru’s government has imposed a nighttime curfew and military control in Pataz after 13 miners were killed, reflecting growing outrage over violence linked to illegal mining. The Confederation of Private Business Institutions condemned the attack as evidence of state failure to maintain security. Interior Minister Díaz Zulueta reported critical timelines and police actions, while the mining company Poderosa urged for government reforms to combat ongoing violence.
Peru’s government has taken drastic measures in response to the abduction and murder of 13 security employees from the Poderosa gold mine. A nighttime curfew has been enforced and military control has been authorized in the Andean district of Pataz. This decision, announced by President Dina Boluarte, reflects the growing public outrage over escalating violence linked to illegal mining in the region, underscoring a critical security crisis.
The heinous killings have reverberated throughout Peru, prompting condemnation from the Confederation of Private Business Institutions (Confiep). This powerful business group asserted that the attack signals a failure of the state to maintain order, declaring, “the state has lost control of security in Pataz, and in much of the country.” The remarks draw unsettling parallels to past horrors during Peru’s internal armed conflict, which saw approximately 69,000 fatalities between 1980 and 2000.
In a statement addressing the violence, Confiep commented on the atrocity with the grim reminder of the dire past: “The barbarity shown in the execution of these miners reminds us of the darkest years when Sendero Luminoso and MRTA terrorized Peru.” This references the notorious guerrilla groups that plagued the nation during those tumultuous times.
Interior Minister Julio Díaz Zulueta traveled to the La Libertad region to oversee police operations and provided an update on the chilling timeline of the incident. He revealed that the workers were taken from a mine entrance on April 25, with their bodies discovered five days later. His account contrasts with earlier comments made by Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén, who had expressed skepticism regarding the kidnapping case, noting a lack of formal complaints.
However, relatives of the victims had been raising alarms prior to the discovery. In the same context, Díaz noted police efforts to dismantle illegal mine shafts in the area, claiming that 20 out of 30 had been taken down but acknowledged many others remain under criminal control. He expressed optimism for forthcoming developments, stating, “We will have good news from Pataz in the coming days.”
Díaz is set to appear before Congress to address the mounting security issues, while there have been motions filed to censure members of Boluarte’s cabinet. Reports indicate that violence has left at least 39 people dead in Pataz this year alone, as confirmed by Poderosa.
The mining company, Compañía Minera Poderosa, has raised alarm over organized crime related to illegal mining, asserting that Pataz has devolved into “a lawless territory where violence reigns with impunity.” Poderosa has called for a strategic update to government security efforts, noting that many geolocated illegal tunnels remain untouched, despite known risks.
They also criticized the Ministry of Energy and Mines, arguing it has ignored requests to push illegal miners out of its concessions. Moreover, they have accused Congress of enabling informal mining practices by extending the temporary formalization registry (REINFO), which they term a “total failure.”
A different incident over the weekend in the same province resulted in eight injuries, including two police officers, during an attack on workers at another mining site. The assault occurred as victims were headed to the Caravelí processing plant in the Tayabamba district.
Amidst the chaos, Poderosa’s message remains clear: “Faced with this destructive spiral, the government, private sector, and civil society must join forces to confront and defeat it before it’s too late.” Illegal mining activity persists along Peru’s coast, highlands, and jungles, presenting ongoing challenges for local authorities.
The situation in Peru reflects a grave security crisis exacerbated by illegal mining operations. Following the tragic murders of 13 miners, President Boluarte has implemented a curfew and called for military presence to restore order. Moreover, the response from entities like Confiep and Poderosa underscores urgent pleas for effective government action. As violence continues to plague the region, stakeholders emphasize the need for a coordinated response to tackle this escalating threat.
Original Source: efe.com
