Resettlement of the CPR to the South Coast and recovery by the CPT of their lands

Voices and images: Mayan Ixil women of Chajul

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Chapter One: La Violencia and Its Effects

8. Resettlement of the Communities of the Population in Resistance (CPR) to the South Coast and recovery by the Pro-Land Committees (CPT) of their lands

In 1981 when the massive repression known as “scorched earth” was going on, many people from the villages had to flee and take refuge in the town, in the mountains, and outside of Guatemala, for example, along the Mexican border. During the time that they were there, they organized themselves for their survival and self-protection. They were called “Communities of the Population in Resistance of the Sierra.” During that time they suffered from hunger, fatigue, fear, and sadness. They were pursued day and night by the army and by its air force which was using machine-guns against the people.

After 17 years of resistance, they negotiated with the government for the purchase of a finca [the Mariland finca] on the south coast where they could resettle. Before that time they had had dialogues with the Pro-Land Committees (CPT) of Chajul who wanted to retrieve their lands that had been occupied by the CPR when they took refuge.

So began the transfer of the CPR from Chajul to the coast. The move was very harsh and difficult for the people due to the change of climate, and particularly so for the children. Many children died and many people went back. They felt sad to leave the place where they had lived and to have to abandon their belongings in order to relocate themselves in another place. They thought that they would never return to see the land of their birth. During the relocation process, there were a number of women who gave birth on the journey. When they reached the coast they saw that the land was not fertile and they were discouraged. They were barely resettled when they were hit by hurricane Mitch. There were losses on the Mariland finca and the people were profoundly affected.

Some of the CPR stayed in the mountains. Some of the CPT of Chajul recovered their lands and went to live there. Other groups within the CPT recovered their lands, but rather than living there, they are now living in the town of Chajul.