An official in Mexico’s Michoacan state says he has made progress in negotiations with a religious sect that has been blocking access to schools.Local authorities are calling for a police operation to end the blockade by the New Jerusalem community, which is affecting more then 200 children.The community objects to formal schooling on religious grounds.Government Secretary Jesus Reyna told Mexican media that community leaders had agreed to end the stand-off.Members of the group in the town of Turicato have been physically blocking teachers from attending their walled compound since the start of the new school year on Monday.Church supporters engaged in fist fights on Monday with other locals who wanted their children to attend other schools.In July, they attacked and damaged two school buildings.Mr Reyna said that the authorities must come to an agreement with the local community.
