In an interview with Pamela Cerdeira for MVS Noticias, Karina Méndez, MVS Noticias correspondent in Culiacán, spoke about the violence in Sinaloa sparked by clashes between cells of “El Chapo” Guzmán and “El Mayo” Zambada.
This September 9th marked one year since the beginning of the confrontation between the “Chapiza” and “Mayiza” gangs in Sinaloa, a war that has left thousands of victims and keeps the population in a permanent state of fear. During these 12 months, violence has transformed daily life in Culiacán and other areas of the state, where peace seems increasingly distant.
“Twelve months may sound quick, but for the people of Sinaloa who have suffered through it, it has been extremely difficult. Their peace and tranquility have been taken away. Just a year ago, the governor said nothing was happening, that he was inviting citizens to go about their normal lives. Today, a year after all the events that have occurred in Sinaloa, we realize that something was happening, and a lot was happening,” said Karina Méndez.
At first, authorities urged citizens to maintain their routines, but as time passed, the events demonstrated the magnitude of the conflict.
Today, the figures reveal the cost of this dispute: more than 1,900 homicides, including 51 municipal and state police officers; 1,500 people deprived of their liberty; more than 6,000 vehicle thefts; and 2,200 commercial lootings. In addition, 120 properties were damaged by armed attacks or set on fire.
The most painful statistic is the 50 minors who have lost their lives in the midst of this war, reflecting the severity of the social impact.
What is the government saying one year into the conflict?
Governor Rubén Rocha Moya acknowledged that violence continues to be generated by the two warring groups, which continue to be confronted by federal and state forces. Although it appears to be easing at times, the violence is on the rise and maintains tension among the population.
“The saddest and most painful thing about all this is that 50 minors have lost their lives in this war. For his part, the governor just yesterday acknowledged that there are two opposing groups and that peace has not yet returned to Sinaloa,” explained the MVS Noticias correspondent in Culiacán.
Families live with the uncertainty that a shooting will disrupt their children’s school routine, as happened recently, which has fueled a feeling of vulnerability and weariness.
How does the public respond to the violence?
In Culiacán, society has begun to express its rejection of the situation. In recent days, banners with messages of peace have appeared in different parts of the city, accompanied by the sentiment that “the Culiacán of before will never return.” A march held over the weekend also reflected the weariness and demand for an end to the violence.
“Some families say that the Culiacán of before will never return, that we should build a better one. And well, this, like last Sunday’s march, has been generated by the weariness and exhaustion left by this 12-month war,” concluded Karina Méndez.
One year after the start of this war, life in Sinaloa continues to be marked by the criminal dispute and the citizen demand that the authorities restore security.
Source: mvsnoticias
