At the Miraflores fairgrounds, where visitors walk through the halls paying attention to new publications, one date stands out among those who follow Peru’s modern history. On December 4, at 6:00 p.m., the Congressional Editorial Box presents a volume inviting us to review one of the most tense periods of republican life: Released. Operation Chavin de Huantar. Memories and reflections. Historian Maria Cecilia Crescencia Pacula Budge participates in this activity and shares insights into the days of captivity, military deployment, and the voices that tell this chapter from within.
This book collects presentations from the discussion of Operation Chavin de Huantar: 28 Years After the Rescue, held in Congress. It presents the testimonies of former hostages, details of the plan that led to the release of 72 people, and an analysis that focuses on the state’s strategy in confronting the regime’s demands. MRTA. The phrase that was repeated that day, “Democracy does not yield to fear,” is repeated again in these pages that seek to preserve memory and contemplate.
Cecilia participates in the show with the former minister Francisco Tudela. He remembers this with respect: “Sharing this show… is almost a dare,” he says, because he considers it a symbol of resistance and sacrifice. The book reviews 126 days of imprisonment, the moments before the commando forces stormed in, and the political decision that authorized the operation, when the country was anxiously watching the results of the long kidnapping operation.
Released. Operation Chavin de Huantar. Memories and reflections It arises from an interest in understanding, from multiple voices, what happened between them December 1996 and April 1997. The MRTA demanded the release of 456 members and their transfer to the jungle with fifteen hostages as security, changes to the economic model, and six million dollars in compensation. In words heard during the conversation, “They wanted Peru to back down…but Peru did not give in.”
The collected texts reconstruct the tension of those months: from the initial negotiations to the presidential decision that allowed the rescue. In speeches to Congress, it was recalled that “the state cannot yield to the blackmail of fear” and that the primary goal was to protect lives and prevent violence from creating conditions.
The book also analyzes the careful preparation of orders, institutional coordination, and the impact that the operation had on the public life of the country. It is not a literary reconstruction, but sNumber of votes participatedobserved or studied this episode.
Cecilia shows enthusiasm for the presentation. He points out that Congressional Editorial Fund He called in specialists to comment on each presentation. He realizes the importance of accompanying Tudela, the central figure in that crisis: “He is to some extent a symbol of resistance… and a risk that carries serious consequences for his health.”
Her contribution to this book adds to her extensive career as a historian, researcher, conservator, and author of numerous publications. Peru information He reminds him of this tour and asks him about another project he will present at the exhibition: the investigation of the El Salvador Fire Company, Lima 10.
The origin of this research does not stem from a distant archive, but from a personal relationship. “My relationship with firefighters is a very human one,” he points out. He says he has worked for years Central Reserve Bank Along with Jackie Daza, “consultant, partner, strategist and collaborator” who was married to one of the company members. This bond has given way to closeness with the volunteers and interest in their history.
After Daza’s death, Cecilia remained in contact with her husband. Luis Valdiviadean of the company. With him and Cecilia Ibarra they began to explore the possibility of publishing a book that would allow Lima to know the historical value of this unit founded 150 years ago. They submitted the project to Editorial Fund of the Municipality of Lima. With the support of Richard Chu and musician and cultural director Miguel Molinari, the book was published.
The author’s gesture extends beyond writing. He stated that he gave the company the corresponding amount in exchange for the authorship. “I was happy to pass on to them the full amount that the municipality pays the authors,” he explains. For her, this represents a small boost to volunteer work that faces structural shortcomings.
The historian describes a disturbing reality: “Volunteer work is growing and growing…what is decreasing is Official participationHe narrates that while presenting the book at the police station, he asked the municipal police commander Abandoned truck To convert it into an ambulance. He points out that they do not have adequate facilities and that members spend the night in shifts without comfortable places. However, they attend emergencies, from pet rescues to extreme situations such as fires or violent events.
Also remember that they were part of the support during the rescue operation at the Japanese Embassy. He sums up his speech with a straightforward statement: “They receive nothing really…or almost nothing.”
When asked about the most shocking episode of his research, the answer was immediate: His four march. He says one of the firefighters ended up sticking a bottle cap in his jaw, and unknown persons cut hoses during the confrontations. “This… surprised me,” he points out. For her, it was a reminder that aggression can be directed even against those who serve without expectation of retaliation.
The company preserves historical pieces, including vintage vehicles that it preserves as part of its internal memory. On its premises is a small museum that displays these objects and reflects the union among its members: “Among them…the spirit of togetherness that we desire as a civil society,” he says.
At the Ricardo Palma Book Fair, the Municipality of Lima displays the Munilibros collection of thirty-six titles. The number thirty-five corresponds to the book on the El Salvador company. According to Cecilia, it can be purchased from Municipality position “At cost”.
Regarding his presentation, he said: “I will be there on December 4 at six in the afternoon.” On that day he will comment on the book Released. Operation Chavin de Huantar. Memories and reflections During the activity organized by the Congressional Liberation Fund.
In addition to this publication, the editorial box will include two other new titles: Palace party timesl Miguel Rodriguez Sosaand People of Lima and the House of Bourbon (1701-1958)l Armando Mira Avalos. All will be available at Booth 36 from November 21 to December 9 at Kennedy Park.