Mexico airlifts food to southern state cut off by protests

MEXICO CITY – The Mexican government has started airlifting food to the southern state of Oaxaca, which is largely cut off to commercial traffic by protesting teachers.

Social Development Secretary Jose Antonio Meade told reporters Thursday that there would be two flights per day Thursday through Saturday to deliver more than 100 tons of food to the Pacific coast of Oaxaca.

Meade says food is also being trucked in from the neighbouring states of Guerrero and Veracruz. The food will be distributed through state-run stores.

A radical teachers union and supporting groups have been blocking major highways in the state. Private vehicles are usually allowed to pass, but commercial trucks are blocked.

The teachers oppose education reforms that the government has said are the law and cannot be withdrawn.