Mexico Shelves Oil Plans in Birthplace of Zapatistas Amid Outcry

Indigenous outcry against Mexico’s oil development plans in the birthplace of the Zapatista movement has claimed its first victory.

Two exploration areas in the southern Chiapas state were excluded from a July 12 bidding round, with the National Hydrocarbons Commission citing the government’s need to prolong dialog with native groups. The decision is the first time indigenous opposition has prevented oil prospects from being auctioned since Mexico ended a state monopoly in 2014.

The Zoque and Tzotziles groups have escalated protests in the state known for the Zapatista rebel movement and resistance to the passage of the North American Free-Trade ...