Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(LIP-jl) -- According to reports from the Peruvian news media, coca farmers from the central jungle areas of Tingo Maria and Aucayacu will go back on strike today against the Peruvian government in the wake of the government's decision to resume forced coca plant eradication operations in the region.

Coca farmers from Leoncio Prado Province (Huanuco) have announced they will be on strike indefinitely with the intent of having the Peruvian government suspend forced coca plant eradication operations. They are also demanding open talks between coca farmer representatives and governmental officials.

Authorities have advised against traveling in the area as protesters will likely restrict access to the region by blocking major roads with boulders, sticks, and burning tires.

To help keep some level of order and safety during the protests, Peruvian law enforcement authorities have beefed up their presence in the area with 90 additional agents from the Peruvian National Police's Special Operations Division.

Just last month, striking coca farmers from the nearby town of Tocache settled with government officials by agreeing to temporarily suspend eradication efforts. However, after pondering the effects of that decision further, the Peruvian government decided to get tough on the issue with President Alan Garcia calling for the "bombing" of all coca plant cultivations and macerations wells.

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