Putis Speaks - Opinion Column

When Sendero Luminoso began its bloodthirsty actions, it had the community of Putis — and the surrounding ones — in its sights. In 1983 it murdered its lieutenant governor, leaving the following message on the bloodied body: "If anyone rises up against us, they will be exterminated." The subversives knew that peasant patrols were being organized to fight them. The area was considered a red zone due to the movement of Senderista columns; it was under military control and a state of emergency was in effect. That year, violence prevented municipal elections from being held throughout the province of Huanta. They were Peruvians, civilians, peasants caught in the crossfire — a situation that characterized our internal conflict. Both the terrorists and the security forces distrusted the humble people who only wanted to save their skins. Those from Putis could not. Published on August 25, 2009.