On Sept. 8th in the main streets of San Cristobal, Chiapas, Mexico, fifteen thousand ski-masked members and supporters of the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN) blocked the streets during the ceremony for the departure of the 1,111-member Zapatista delegation as it began its march from San Cristobal de las Casas to Mexico City, hoping for an end to the militarization of indigenous regions of the country and to participate in the Founding Congress of the Zapatista Front (FZLN).
The crowd assembled to say goodbye to the 1,111 delegates participating in the march who arrived in Mexico City on September 12. In this ceremony, the representation of the Zapatista communities was handed over to twelve EZLN commanders who carried both the Mexican and EZLN flags to symbolize that this was a march for all of Mexico as well as the Zapatistas.
It was anticipated that at least 20,000 police officers as well as elite, specialized police units and armed plainclothes officials in Mexico City would await the arrival of the Zapatistas. Helicopter surveillance flights began the week of September 8 over the Federal District and roadway entry points. Camouflaged cameras were placed in strategic locations throughout the march route, and riot police squads were to be on site at the close of the march in Mexico City. The National Indigenous Congress (CNI) condemned the security preparations because the events scheduled between civil society and indigenous groups were predicted to be peaceful. Melquades Rosas of the CNI suggested that the government focus on "health and hygiene" for marchers instead of the massive security efforts. Rosas also urged the governors of the Mexican states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla and Morelos to guarantee free transit for the rebel caravan.
The Zapatistas are forcing the issue of indigenous rights to the foreground of Mexican politics. This was inspired originally by Emiliano Zapata, a Mexican leader born in the village of San Miguel Anencuilco in the Mexican state of Morelos in August of 1879. It was said that Zapata grew to be a gifted organizer and spoke local Mayan dialects which proved worthy traits helping him get elected village leader in 1909. When the Mexican Revolution Began in 1910, Zapata's goals were simply "tierra y libertad," land and liberty for his people. Zapata's continued opposition of the government led to his assassination by government troops on April 10,1919. The modern day Zapatistas have been carrying on Emiliano Zapata’s memory by working to see his ideals fulfilled for the people he once led.
The indigenous people who compose the EZLN are led by Subcomandante Marcos. The groups needs have expanded since the time of Zapata. They now include the need for work, homes, food, healthcare, education, independence, democracy, justice and security.
The state of Chiapas, where the revolution is centered, is the most heavily militarized state in Mexico and is home to a large portion of Mexico's indigenous population. There many aspects of society are affected by the conflict between the government and the Indians in Chiapas. An opposition group has also formed, calling itself the MIRA (Indigenous Revolutionary Anti-Zapatista Movement), who are sympathizers of the PRI, the ruling party in Mexico.
Operating in the areas where the Zapatista movement has been strong for three or four months, the MIRA's main function seems to be to counteract any progress of the Zapatistas. An estimated number of 500-600 members have been announced, along with the possibility of other paramilitary groups joining as well. It is believed that the members of this group may be former members of the Mexican Army, including possible deserters, as well as former town authorities from the PRI. The official Mexican Human Rights spokesman, Mircille Roccatti, stated that "the militarization in the state of Chiapas has more to do with the crime problem than the social issues" plaguing the state. Many human rights organizations were quick to criticize his declaration because it is more widely believed that the public security forces continue to violate human rights in Chiapas. And also that there is not enough focus on the social and economic problems.
The Zapatistas are making progress for their cause on two fronts. The EZLN is a new non-violent political force that is part of the opposition movement, but does not seek government positions. Participating in the EZLN will be a positive step for the Zapatistas because it will expand awareness of the indigenous struggle in today’s world, increasing awareness throughout Mexico about the issues discussed above. In the Chamber of Deputies, which is similar to the U.S. Congress, the opposition party has gained legislative power for the first time, bringing hope to the Zapatistas.
