Indian activists in Bolivia staged major protests on Wednesday against President Carlos Mesa.

Activists sealed off roads leading to the country's two largest cities, including the capital of La Paz. They are making a number of demands on Mesa, such as lowering the price of fuel.

Indian leaders have increased their political clout in recent years in a country where Indians make up 61 percent of the population. Movement to Socialism, the largest Indian political party, swept last month's elections.

Indian activists drove former president Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada from office in 2003. After being elected as a replacement, Mesa created a cabinet position for Indian affairs, made an agreement with a prominent Indian congressman and met with Native groups.

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Activists block roads in Bolivia in showdown (The Los Angeles Times 1/13)
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