There is fear among the inhabitants of the municipalities of La Argentina and La Plata, in the department of Huila, due to the increase in the presence of guerrillas from the Central General Staff (EMC) and their terrorist practices with which they are beginning to subjugate the most remote communities. .
It was recently learned that at least 94,000 people must “respect” the curfew imposed by the dissidents. No one can be on the streets after 7:00 pm, as revealed by the Pares Foundation.
Additionally, they imposed the forced participation of adolescents in the activities of the Community Action Boards and to have an active voice in them. Read here: Eln announces the resumption of kidnappings due to non-compliance by the Petro Government
The presence of the guerrillas in this area of the country has the local authorities on maximum alert since for several years that territory had lived in peace and in a harmonious environment. For its part, the Sixth Brigade of the Army reinforced security in the bordering areas with Cauca, Caquetá and Tolima, with the aim of stopping violent actions and extortion by irregular armed groups.
Today, merchants prefer to keep their businesses closed or move to other regions due to the threat of the guerrillas. In the case of nightclubs, the order is to close at 12 in the morning, affecting the income of nighttime commerce.
“The curfew in La Argentina and La Plata has been decreed by ‘Jaime Martínez’, member of the Jacobo Arenas Western Bloc. This is part of a territorial expansion strategy in regions such as Huila, Cauca, Caquetá and Tolima, especially to exercise control over economies linked to extortion, which has been its main activity. This measure also implies territorial control dynamics that cover aspects such as homicides and mobility restrictions, including limitations aimed at youth and their practices,” said Paola Marín, researcher of the Peace Line, Post-Conflict and Human Rights of the Peace and Reconciliation Foundation ( Peers).
The country is going through a turbulent public order situation. There is an increase in war in departments such as Cauca, Nariño and Arauca. Control agencies have warned of the blatant violation of the human rights of communities in rural areas. Forced displacement, recruitment of minors, kidnapping, homicides and other crimes increased. Read: Two soldiers die in a new attack by FARC dissidents in Cauca
The Ombudsman’s Office has published more than 22 early warnings due to the serious risks of hundreds of families, in addition to urgent meetings in which it asks the Government to take urgent protection measures.
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