Territorial dispute in Villa La Angostura It was up and running again after a Neuquén judge ordered the camp site on the coast of Lake Corintoso, occupied by members of Mapuche community Paisil Antriao Since 2011. However, far from adhering to the decision, community representatives stressed that they would remain in place and were prepared to resist any attempt to evacuate.
The judge issued the measure at the end of November Francisco Astol BonorinoWhich set a five-day period for the return of the property. The decision ignited a conflict that has been ongoing for more than ten years in the region and includes ancestral claims, administrative disputes, and political confrontations.
The Mapuche responded: “We will not leave. We want dialogue, but we will not give up the land.”
After learning of the court order, the community issued a statement rejecting the return of the camp site and strongly questioning the ruling. They assert that the ruling “ignores historical rights” and benefits real estate developers outside the area.
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Damian OliveroThe group’s spokesman confirmed that the judge “did not take into account the earth survey work,” which had not been completed for years, he said. He also warned in radio statements that they feared an imminent police operation, and pointed to a history of “extremely violent” evictions in the tourist village.
Justice ordered the Mapuche community to return the usurped lands to Mano Ginobili at Villa La Angostura
The connection between the Paicil Antriao community and the camping site was the reason behind this Extensive legal battle. Although the historical presence of Mapuche families in the area was recognized during this process, the occupation of the area – which was originally subject to a municipal concession – led to litigation that even reached the Superior Court of Justice in Neuquén.
In 2024, the Supreme Court of Justice rejected the community’s claim of descent and confirmed that the property should be returned to the municipality. The local administration sought to regain control of the camp site, exploit it for tourism purposes, or return its concession, but the community refused to withdraw while new legal offers were presented.
The latest decision canceled these maneuvers and ratified the evacuation order.
Other open conflicts in the region
Pycelle Intriao Villa La Angostura is no stranger to controversies. The group organized a blockade of the construction of the Circonvalacion Road – funded by the Nation – and got into public confrontations, including a dispute with a former basketball player. Manu Ginobili To acquire a plot of land on Belvedere Hill.
Tension is exacerbated with other cases in the mountainous region. At Villa Mascardi, for example, Lovekin Winkul Mabo Community He managed to keep the sacred statue, the ryu, on the vacated property, allowing them to return periodically to perform ceremonies. This situation forces the national government to maintain a strong security operation to prevent new occupations.
An unusual request from convicted financier Martin Azar: he wants to travel to Villa La Angostura
As the judicial deadline advances, concern is growing in Villa La Angostura about the possibility of police intervention. The community insists it will not abandon the camp site and holds Governor Rolando Figueroa and the municipality responsible for any consequences resulting from the evacuation.
The conflict once again brings to the table debate over territory, lineage and tensions between indigenous communities, governments and private developers in areas of high tourism value in Patagonia.
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