MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

State of emergency on anniversary of Peruvian Shinning Path terrorist group

Peruvian president Alan Garcia

The administration of Peruvian president Alan Garcia declared a state of emergency for 60 days in the regions of Huánuco, Ucayali and San Martín, reportedly the areas that have the most drugs and terrorist related activities.

The state of emergency comes as a prevention measure considering that Monday May 17 will be the 30th anniversary of Shining Path's first attack, and especially due to certain recent incidents that have taken place during the last few days.

This also responds to Defence Minister Rafael Rey's request to reinforce his security, since he claimed he has been receiving threats on his life.

State of emergency implies the suspension of certain constitutional rights and freedoms, like freedom to celebrate meetings.

The first action of Shining Path guerrilla took place on May 17, 1980, when a group of terrorists set fire to the elections acts in the village of Chuschi, Ayacucho.

Most leaders of Shinning Path have been imprisoned after being virtually eliminated following of former president Alberto Fujimori heavy-handed tactics.

At present, Shining Paths remnants are operating in Huanuco and Ayacucho, allegedly in combination with some of the drug cartels, according to Peru's armed forces.