Gangs in El Salvador back violence-free towns

Salvadoran youth gangs have accepted a proposal to declare 10 municipalities free of violence. It's seen as a highly bold move as mistrust runs rampant among the neighborhood gangs there.

"We want to eradicate all illegal activities and have a better relationship with the community," Carlos Mojica, gang leader of one of the two factions of the Barrio 18 gang says.

The two men behind this initiative are former guerrilla fighter Raúl Mijango and Catholic bishop Fabio Colindres. The proposal was accepted earlier this month by the leaders of the Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha, the two main gangs in El Salvador.

Source: Catholic Online