Mexican Highway Blockade: Economic Impact and Growing Tensions

Mexican business groups warn of significant economic damage as farmers continue a blockade on the main highway between Mexico City and Puebla. The blockade has stranded drivers and truckers without essentials. The farmers demand payment for land expropriated decades ago, while the government refuses to break up the protest, citing rights violations.

Business groups in Mexico have raised alarms over the significant economic damage caused by a protest blockade on the country's primary east-west highway, now in its second full day.

Farmers initiated the blockade on the highway connecting Mexico City and Puebla on Tuesday, demanding compensation for land expropriated decades ago. By Thursday, numerous drivers and truckers found themselves stuck for nearly 48 hours, with no access to food or water. Protesters briefly allowed passage on Thursday but soon reinstated the blockade.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's administration, known for its non-confrontational stance, has declined to dismantle the protests, arguing that doing so would impinge on the farmers' rights. However, affected motorists and businesses argue that their own rights are being undermined, creating growing frustration.

(With inputs from agencies.)