Violence over squatting at archaeological site highlights space shortage in Peru capital
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A dusty plateau on Lima's southern outskirts with a protected pre-Incan burial site has become a scene of violent clashes between Peruvians desperate for land and a new police unit tasked with dislodging squatters.
Hundreds of police used tear gas and clubs Tuesday to remove about 2,000 squatters.
Squatters hurled rocks at shield-wielding police. Many officers responded by throwing them back. Police reported three injuries in their ranks and 11 arrests. There was no word on civilian injuries.
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Police reported 164 land invasions last year in Lima, a city of nearly 10 million. A special unit to battle them was formed in 2013. Lima adds about 150,000 people per year.
A Culture Ministry official said about three dozen pre-Inca tombs were found where Wednesday's clash occurred.