Around 13,000 people of the Paez indigenous ethnic group in the town of Jambaló, 700 kilometers southeast of Bogotá, have risen up in 'civic resistance' against the abuses being committed against themc by guerillas, paramilitary forces and the national military. The people of Jambaló have instituted their own emergency regime, and have put in place various security measures, such as controlling access to the area, prohibiting the drinking of liquor and taking over the stocking of food and medicines. Many Jambalo residents are now participating inpermanent assemblies where they are developing proposals to be submitted to President Alvaro Uribe, regarding keeping the armed conflict out of their community.
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