The Peruvian government has declared part of its Amazonian region a military zone after days of violent protests.

A curfew has been imposed on the town of Bague and its surroundings. The authorities say 22 police officers and nine indigenous protesters have been killed, but activists say at least 30 Indians have been shot dead. Several police officers have been taken hostage by the protesters.

The clashes started on Friday during demonstrations of the local indigenous population against oil and gas exploration on their ancestral lands. Peru's indigenous people feel discriminated against, and are demanding a larger share of the revenue generated by the natural riches of the region. For the past two months, the protesters have been blocking roads and rivers in the region.