Government plans to seize farmland to build a new airport outside Mexico City have led to civil unrest.
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Hundreds of farmers came armed with machetes to protest against the government’s plan, which would see more than 10,000 acres (5,000 hectares) appropriated to build the new international airport.
The proposed US$2bn airport would boast six runways and take pressure off the existing Mexico City airport, which cannot be expanded because it lies in a crowded urban location. Local farmers have been offered compensation, but they say no price is high enough to compensate them for the loss of their land and, consequently, their livelihood.
Last week saw seven hostages seized in protest at the plans. They include local government officials, and the farmers say the hostages will not be released until police liberate some of their own leaders.
Farmers used cars and lorries to block a highway and other roads, and burnt several vehicles, including at least police cars. On Friday, farmers hijacked two trucks carrying Coca-Cola bottles, drank the contents and saved the bottles to make Molotov cocktails, reported Reuters.
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By GlobalData
