Elements from the Municipal Police in San Salvador Atenco clashed with residents from the neighborhood of Constitución El Salado, opposing the continuation of a 1,300 meter drain that would unload wastewater from resident units in Terrones and Geo Vías, from the neighboring municipality of Acolman. The confrontation left seven people injured and another three detained. On Monday morning a group of 80 residents went over to Girasol Street, were the draining was taking place, and attempted to stop it. Local and state authorities tried to disperse the group sparking the fights that lasted several minutes. Antonio Páez Estrada, Erika Páez Estrada and Raymundo Vargas were detained and transported the municipal police headquarters for disturbing the peace.
María Ángela Benito, a representative from Antorcha Popular (Popular Torch) noted that the mayor of San Salvador Atenco, Mario Ayala Pineda, had met with a group of residents last Monday in order to supervise the project, but that the majority of the residents showed opposition because they were never informed of the installation of the new drainage system. She also expressed that the residents are not against the installation because they believe them to be important but demand that the municipal government inform them under what terms they gave construction permission to the companies GEO and ARA.
Sources:
Cesáreo, Javier Salinas. “Riña de colonos y policías en Atenco por obra deja 7 lesionados.” La Jornada. 24 Mayo, 2010.
Fernández, Emilio. “Enfrentamiento en Atenco deja 7 lesionados.” El Universal. 24 Mayo, 2010.
Milenio. “Siete lesionados y tres detenidos por enfrentamiento en San Salvador Atenco.”Milenio. 24 Mayo, 2010.
