Following a meeting between the National Lands Institute (INTI) and the owners of ranch La Marqueseña, located in southwestern Barinas state, on Sunday, INTI demanded the "material" surrender of the estate.

Carlos Azpúrua, owner of the ranch, said in a telephone interview that he was "kidnapped," as once he left the estate, the military troopers that have occupied La Marqueseña would prevent him from coming back in.

"I am isolated. They would not let my lawyer in," he added.

"The president of INTI, Richard Vivas, ordered me to deliver the estate. I am not going to do so, as that would amount to acknowledge that I am not the owner."

"Vivas told me to surrender the ranch. Otherwise, they are going to confiscate the estate anyway tomorrow (Monday). I am not going to do that, because they have not started the relevant legal actions. I am subject to abuse by the Army, while my rights have been violated."

Azpúrua added he produced documents showing he owns La Marqueseña. "This is a private property. We own it since 1949. He (Vivas) told me they had instruments showing otherwise."