In Pictures: Mexico's Zapatistas

1 of 9 Zapatista rebels gathered in Mexico's southern state of Chiapas to refocus attention on Indian rights

2 of 9 Thousands of Zapatistas - among the poorest people in the region - attended the event in the mountain village of Oventic

3 of 9 The rebels claim to represent millions of Indians seeking independence, but have rejected a peace talks offer

4 of 9 Bandanas - a symbol of protest elsewhere in the world - are worn to protect identity and promote egalitarianism

5 of 9 The Zapatistas took up arms 10 years ago, but have rarely used violence since deadly clashes in 1994

6 of 9 The weekend's conference was part musical jamboree part political event

7 of 9 Some of the Zapatistas took time out for a ball game

8 of 9 Zapatista Commander Tacho addressed the crowds but some wanted to hear from Subcomandante Marcos

9 of 9 New councils announced at the conference will settle land disputes and manage aid from charities.