PCP-SL installs its own authorities in rural hamlets

Between 1983 and 1985, the PCP-SL proceeded to install its own authorities, with varying degrees of clandestinity, in most of the rural hamlets from Tulumayo to Yanajanca. Within these places, the PCP-SL's popular committees controlled coca leaf cultivation, regulated the purchase/sale of PBC (cocaine base paste) and, in places where there were clandestine airports, guarded the departure of drug flights. This process of installing Shining Path authorities occurred after the group consolidated its presence in the region, having begun its activities in Alto Huallaga around 1980-1981. The bosses who had previously had an open hand to pressure the peasants with their gangs of hired killers were forced to move closer to the urban areas for fear that the farmers would inform the delegates of the popular committees.