The Associated Press Mon, Aug 18, 2008

Peru's government declared a state of emergency Monday in remote jungle regions where Indian groups are blocking highways and oil and gas installations to protest a law that makes it easier to sell their lands.

The 30-day decree published in the official gazette suspends rights to public gatherings and free transit in three northern provinces.

It follows nine days of protests by members of 65 Indian tribes and a clash Saturday in northern Peru between police and hundreds of spear-carrying Indians with painted faces. Lima newspaper El Comercio reported eight officers and four protesters were injured.

Environment Minister Antonio Brack said protesters have closed a bridge and highway "and threatened to cut the supply of oil via the oil pipeline and gas through the Camisea gas pipeline."

Alberto Pizango, president of an Indian rights group speaking for the protesters, warned the government to be "very careful" as it attempts to bring order to the affected regions.

The protests began when the Indians blocked an important natural gas installation and oil pipeline in northern Peru. The Camisea natural gas installation is operated by a consortium led by Pluspetrol Peru Corporation SA and including Hunt Oil Company of Peru L.L.C.

The Indians are protesting a law that would let half of those attending a community assembly approve the sale of communal lands. Previously, two-thirds of the local community, whether they attended a meeting or not, had to approve any sale.