Ruptly
"Experts in Tecate, Baja California, have condemned the use of explosives on the slopes of Cerro Cuchuma, a sacred archaeological site, as part of the expansion of the US–Mexico border wall under Donald Trump. Footage captured on Wednesday shows explosions on the mountainside alongside ongoing construction works, despite concerns over the potential impact. The mountain, which spans territory between Mexico and the United States, holds deep spiritual significance for the Kumiai people. Reports suggest the detonations may have damaged a 35-metre monolith, as well as areas containing historical remains and ceremonial spaces. Jose Manuel Valenzuela, a professor and researcher at the Colegio de la Frontera Norte, said the border wall “mutilates the conditions of the flora and fauna in the region.” "They are blowing up a sacred site, which is what generates discontent. So I would say that part of this should lead us to a reflection. On the one hand, this recognition of a mountain that has historical value on the US side should be respected, but also a demand on the Mexican side for the mountain to also be recognised as cultural heritage of the original peoples of this region," he added. Environmental engineer Dulce Robles warned that the blasts disrupt the ecological balance of the area. "An offence against nature when you hear this type of noise, and not only for humans, because if we think about it, you might think it could be a missile, right?," Robles said. Cerro Cuchuma has been listed on the US National Register of Historic Places since 1992 and is recognised for its cultural and spiritual importance to Indigenous communities on both sides of the border. Critics argue that the use of explosives at the site may violate protections under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which is intended to safeguard historically significant locations from destruction."
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