MEXICO CITY, 16 November (H.S.): Thousands of protesters, galvanized under the banner of Generation Z, took to the streets across Mexico on Saturday to decry escalating violence and corruption following the public assassination of an anti-crime mayor earlier this month.

The demonstrations, while initiated by youth activists, drew broad support from various segments of society, including older citizens and political opposition figures .The protests turned violent in Mexico City, where a group of demonstrators tore down fences surrounding the National Palace, the residence of President Claudia Sheinbaum, leading to clashes with riot police who deployed tear gas.

According to Mexico City's public safety secretary, the confrontation resulted in injuries to 100 police officers and 20 civilians, with 20 people arrested.The catalyst for the nationwide protests was the November 1 murder of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, who was shot and killed at a public Day of the Dead event. Manzo, known for his anti-crime stance, had been under federal protection.

Chants of Carlos did not die, the government killed him and Out, Morena, targeting President Sheinbaum's ruling party, were heard at the demonstrations.The Generation Z Mexico group, which called for the protests, stated in a manifesto that it is a non-partisan movement of young people fed up with violence, corruption and abuse of power.

However, the Sheinbaum government has questioned the motives behind the marches, alleging they were organized by right-leaning political opponents and promoted by social media bots. President Sheinbaum has condemned the violence, stating that one must demonstrate peacefully.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar