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Peru?s Guerilla Leader Offers Truce

In the 1980?s the Shining Path guerilla group struck fear in the hearts of all Peruvians. The organization launched a bloody insurgency that lasted 12 terror-filled years and in which over 70,000 died. Over the years, however, many of the groups? leaders have been killed or captured and this has obviously dealt a serious blow to the Shining Path?s activities.

One of the group?s remaining leaders, Comrade Artemio, has offered the Peru government a truce. In return, he demands amnesty and an end to the armed conflict. Artemio has stated that if his demands were not met, an escalation of violence would be inevitable. It is estimated that Armetio?s followers number between 200 and 300 armed guerillas. While their activities have dwindled since the capture of the group?s main leader, Abimael Guzman, they were nevertheless responsible for the ambush and death of eight soldiers last year. Shining Light also provides protection for the many cocaine traffickers in Peru?s remote regions.

The Peruvian government has not yet responded to Artemio?s offer. The guerilla leader has a $50,000 bounty on his head and knows that his days are numbered against a strengthening army. He might also be concerned that President Alan Garcia?s call for the death penalty for terrorists will gain momentum. However, Artemio has publicly denied that he fears the death penalty.