The leader of Peru's Shining Path, a Maoist armed group, has admitted defeat and is asking for a truce.

The man known as Comrade Artemio has asked the government for an amnesty and dialogue.

However, the announcement might not mean the end of the fighting. A small faction of the group has pledged to continue the conflict that has already taken more than 70,000 lives.

Al Jazeera's Mariana Sanchez reports from Lima.