Indigenous Amazonian tribes in Peru have begun lifting armed blockades after a week-long protest. Their action was called off after a congressional committee voted to repeal (ophæve) two laws which the tribes say make it easier for companies to buy their land, BBC online reports Thursday.
The laws, supported by President Alan Garcia, are aimed at promoting private investment in communal territories. Perus congress will now have to vote on the committees decision, which was apparently prompted by the public outcry at the laws.
A state of emergency had been declared after thousands of Amazonian tribespeople armed with spears, bows and arrows took over main roads, a hydroelectric dam, and oil and gas installations in the provinces of Cusco, Loreto and Amazonas.
The protestors from 65 tribes feared the laws would make it easier for investors to buy their energy-rich land in Perus Amazon basin, parts of which are rich in oil and gas. The legislation was introduced as part of the Andean countrys free trade agreement with the US.
The tribes are distrustful as companies extracting oil or gas have, in the past, brought contamination, which has had an impact on both their environment and health.
