The Communist Party of Peru – Shining Path was formed in 1970 as a breakaway faction from the Peruvian Communist Party (Partido Comunista Peruano – PCP). The Shining Path massacred peasant communities it considered to be against its struggle, and attacked security forces and other representatives of the state. Where Does the Shining Path Operate? Currently, the Shining Path has alliances and businesses with local drug trafficking clans from the VRAEM. What Lies Ahead for the Shining Path?