Ejidatarios from Bachajon reclaim land

The community of San Sebastián Bachajón, adherents to the Other Campaign, issued a statement on November 30th, in which they inform of the decision taken by the men and women, ejidatarios of the community, to reclaim the toll booth at Agua Azul and the entrance facilities to the tourist eco-centre, taking into consideration that these buildings have been located on ejidal land without the consent of the assembly.

This decision was taken collectively by the nucleus of the assembly of the ejido, and they hold the state government of Chiapas and the federal government responsible for any acts of repression taken against them [as a result].

In February 2011, the Chiapas governor Juan Sabines Guerrero, in complicity with the authorities of various departments, the Chilon council and the official authorities of San Sebastian Bachajon, constructed an emergency response centre, decreed a permanent state police presence in the area and thereby attempted to gain control of the natural resources and protected areas without the consent of the ejido assembly.

Subsequently, the state government convened the signing of an agreement on February 13th, 2011, in which they institutionalized the dispossession of 600 hectares of land [from the ejidatarios].

This is why the ejidatarios are saying Enough! [¡Basta!] and [re-]taking control.