1978 - 1982: Lucas Garcia Presidency   Begining in the era of Col. Romeo Lucas Garcia and continuing into the next, repression in Guatemala reaches its peak. Creation of the Revolutionary Organization of People in Arms (ORPA). Non-violent, popular organizing increases. The Committee of Peasant Unity struggles for higher wages and better working conditions. 1982 - 1983: Montt Presidency   Despite pledges to respect human rights from the military junta, led by Gen. Efraín Ríos Montt , killings continue at the rate of 1,000 per month. Main elements of Montt's intensive counter -insurgency effort include civil defense patrols, model villages, and a policy of "Scorched Earth". The four existing guerrilla groups join forces in 1982 to fight under one name, the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unit. 1983 - 1986: Mejía Víctores Presidency   The Mutual Support Group emerges as one of the most vocal, and most targeted, human rights organizations in Guatemala