Birth of paramilitary gangs on the banks of the Apurimac river
In July 1984, the most numerous and dangerous paramilitary gangs were born on both banks of the Apurímac River, according to the PCP-SL itself. These bands were characterized by looting, pillaging and multiple murders of innocent people accused of being guerrillas or personal enemies of the commanders.
According to PCP-SL documents, the most numerous and most dangerous paramilitary bands emerged on both banks of the Apurimac River during July 1984, with most forming in January 1985. These gangs grew too rapidly due to the increased concentration of enemy troops in the area. The gangs were made up of upper class people and narcos, and were established in areas that between 1983 and 1984 had been PCP-SL support bases, but as the weight of the enemy was felt, they collapsed to become enemy support bases. The main strongholds of the gangs included Punqui, Chungui, Monterrico, Pichihuilca, San Agustín, Lechemayo, Palmapampa, the annex of Quillabamba, Santa Rosa, San Francisco, Quimbiri, Sivia, Llochegua, Rosario, Quintabamba and Machente.