It is 6:44am and Unitel is transmitting from the main plaza in La Paz. A small group of the TIPNIS protest-walk group, who decided yesterday to stay inside, slept in the open, cold plaza. The police force has “closed” the plaza, not letting anyone, I repeat anyone to enter; that meant no sleeping bags, tents or other type of support were allowed.

Unitel just showed (6:54am) last night’s police taking away covers, water, food from paceno people who wanted to help the indigenous group; tear gas was sprayed onto people, only when TV cameras were present, police walked away. Chanting were saying “evo, watch out, October is not over” in clear allusion to another October with extreme social unrest, that was crucial so current president could assume office.

Today, not even the people who cleans up the plaza were allowed to do their work.

So, the group had no tents and slept out in the open. Pagina Siete, in its front page speaks about the “indifference” from current Bolivian president who decided to leave La Paz yesterday.

The government has sent a letter to call for a meeting with the vice-president. The indigenous group wants to meet directly with the president and in his office, they don’t want to go to the vice-president’s office. The “short-law” is questioned, portion II of the road should be stopped not just suspended, say the indigenous leaders.

So far, the resolve of the TIPNIS people is strong, on the other hand the government’s message continues to send violent police action and wants to deflect the meeting to the vice-president… I hope government realizes of their mistakes and sits and dialogues with the TIPNIS leaders.