Vigilantes in Mexico Won't Disarm in Fight Against Drug Cartel

Government has asked them to give up their weapons

Mexican vigilantes have been involved in clashes with government troops in the western state of Michoacan.

The militia formed to oust the Knights Templar drugs cartel at work in the area.

The self-defence group rejected government calls to disarm:
"Why should we give up our weapons when the government doesn't do its job. If we give up our weapons the Knights Templar will come and kill us. What will the government do? They are paid off by the cartels," said a member of the self-defence group.

The vigilantes first came to light in 2013 in response to the violence inflicted on the area by the drugs cartel.