The Mexican government delivered tons of grain to the southern state on Friday as teachers blocked almost a dozen highways in protest against new education reforms.

The situation has grown increasingly tense since the protests - led by Mexico's CNTE teachers' union - began, with eight people in Oaxaca dying last month after police clashed with protesters. Demonstrations have also been taking place in the states of Guerrero, Michoacan, Chiapas, Nuevo Leon and Mexico City.

Teachers have been protesting new measures by President Enrique Pena Nieto that would see those who fail to pass evaluation exams lose their jobs.

Tough talk from the government

The unrest in Oaxaca, one of Mexico's poorest regions, has grown especially bad, with roadblocks preventing food trucks from reaching remote villages.

On Friday, Secretary of Interior Miguel Osorio Chong said a dialogue with the teachers' union couldn't take place as long as human rights were being abused.

"Blockades and public damage must end," Chong said. "Therefore, soon, we will be taking necessary decisions to allow traffic on strategic routes and supplies for communities."

blc/tj (Reuters, AP)