Arequipa, Peru - 800 villagers opposing Tia Maria mining project take to the hills and attack police

El Comercio

March 23, 2011 - Violent protests in Arequipa: Police clash with residents of Tambo - A group of 800 villagers who oppose the Tia Maria project took to the hills of the Pampa Blanca area and from there threw stones at the PNP
In the province of Islay, Arequipa, in Southern Peru an indefinite strike against the mining project Tia Maria was resumed this morning by villagers.
As reported by the correspondent of Commerce in the area, the education authorities decided to suspend school classes and public institutions have closed their doors to prevent vandalism.
The protesters have moved to the vicinity of the bridge Pampa Blanca, where they have been slowed down by the National Police in their attempt to take a stretch of road.
However, a group of these people, a first calculation is 800, has managed to climb the surrounding hills and from there they are attacking the PNP officers who have had to use tear gas, but which has not risen because the wind is against them.
The Tambo Valley residents are throwing stones with slingshots at police officers.
So far, police have arrested a woman and injured six people, who have been transferred to a medical facility in the industry.