Shining Path
OrganizationAbout
The Shining Path, also known as Sendero Luminoso, is a Maoist guerrilla group that emerged in Peru in the 1980s. Founded by Abimael Guzmán, a former philosophy professor, the group aimed to overthrow the Peruvian government and establish a communist regime. The insurgency began in the Ayacucho region, where the Shining Path gained support among peasants by addressing local grievances and providing a form of "popular justice." The Shining Path's tactics included assassinations, bombings, and massacres, leading to widespread violence and human rights abuses. The group's activities peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s, causing significant social and economic disruption. The capture of Guzmán in 1992 marked a turning point, weakening the organization. Despite its decline, remnants of the Shining Path continue to operate in some regions of Peru. The group's legacy remains complex, with ongoing debates about its impact and the broader context of Peru's internal conflict.
