The Maoist Shining Path guerrillas have brought their own brand of law and order to the Upper Huallaga River Valley. The group has the reputation of almost puritanical honesty and has gained the support of tens of thousands of farmers. They always pay for food and supplies and have banned drug abuse, prostitution, homosexuality and thievery, killing those who disobey. Peruvian officials call the insurgents lunatic killers, but residents feel protected from the violence, abuses and corruption brought by the police. Residents say Path is quick to kill local officials they deem to be corrupt.
The Maoist Shining Path guerrillas have brought their own brand of law and order to the Upper Huallaga River Valley. The group has the reputation of almost puritanical honesty and has gained the support of tens of thousands of farmers. They always pay for food and supplies and have banned drug abuse, prostitution, homosexuality and thievery, killing those who disobey. Peruvian officials call the insurgents lunatic killers, but residents feel protected from the violence, abuses and corruption brought by the police. Residents say the Shining Path is quick to kill local officials they deem to be corrupt.