The strike against the Conga mining project began today, in Cajamarca.

Governor of Cajamarca, Ever Hernandez said schools and most shops were closed, and police officials were safeguarding the area.

"At this hour there is quiet, no incidents have been reported, all is calm. The national police has ensured there will be order and security throughout the region, especially in the areas of greatest risk," he said to Andina, early Thursday morning. 

According to Hernandez, protestors had blocked roads in the districts of Sorochuco, and Huasmín.

The governor also asked for local residents to keep calm and exercise caution during the strike.

"Yesterday we reached a compromise with the leaders of social organizations to work together, so as to ensure a peaceful protest," he said.

He asked the public to be alert and identify extremists seeking to cause riots during the protest.

Update:

Later in the afternoon rocal radio RPP reported that protestors had blocked the Cajamarca-Bambamarca road and the Cajamarca-Otuzco highway, using stones and wooden sticks.

Police authorities then removed the items and attempted to talk with the protestors.

In the afternoon nearly a thousand protestors tuned up at El Perol Lake, near the Yanacocha mining project.

According to El Comercio demonstrators destroyed and burned security sheds around the lake.

Reports indicated that police had withdrawn from the area, in order to avoid any violence between them and protestors.