During the first stage (1984-1987), the PCP-SL established itself clandestinely in the province of Padre Abad. The militants took advantage of their status as teachers to exacerbate the spirits of coca farmers and encourage them to initiate an unrestricted struggle in defense of coca leaf cultivation, which was already their …
In 1984, in the town of Chungui, the military began to arrive, which led the Shining Path group (PCP-SL) to organize retreats into the hills and mountains. The population recruited in these retreats was organized into Bases of Support, which represented the form of government of the PCP-SL in the …
In 1988, the Shining Path (PCP-SL) was active in the Alto Huallaga region of Peru. The organization had a structured military presence, with the 'Fuerza Principal' forming a mobile network and the 'Fuerza Local' operating within organized territories. Willy, a local involved with the PCP-SL, was appointed as the logistics …
A 13-year-old boy recounts his recruitment by the Shining Path in the Ashaninka community. He says 'when I was little I didn't know what life was like, I practically opened my eyes to it, I thought it was the truth'. From 5 to 10 years old, they were pioneers and …