Puno residents resist eviction in long-standing land dispute

A long-standing land dispute in the Totorani district of Puno has escalated following a suspended eviction attempt in the Ciudad de la Humanidad urban area. The conflict, which dates back to 1982, involves approximately 400 to 500 families facing potential displacement by the Asociación Vida Perú.

Legal representatives for the affected residents claim that many families have fully paid for their properties through installment plans but have never received formal property titles or public deeds. Residents have accused the association of irregular administration and questionable claims over the land.

A recent judicial attempt to execute an eviction, overseen by Judge Janisa Mamani Vargas of the Third Civil Court of Puno, was halted after residents and neighbors barricaded themselves to resist. The confrontation involved protesters using gas cylinders and fuel as defensive measures, leading the judge to suspend the proceedings. Residents have vowed to continue defending their homes while challenging the legitimacy of the eviction orders.