North Korean soldier killed over 6 potatoes
Arirang, a celebration of the armisitice between South and North Korea, is hailed as one of the biggest festivals in the recluded state.
By Isaac Kim
As North Korea prepares its “Total Victory” (July 27 armistice anniversary) events, the food shortage among its citizens deepens.
“Aside from Pyongyang, every other region in North Korea faces worsening food shortages,” said a government source on North Korea on July 24. “It’s not only the soldiers who are escaping, but there are a lot of cases of families missing as well.”
North Korean public authorities believe families are escaping to China because of food shortages. According to the source, they are reinforcing their hunt for defectors.
“In May, one soldier on the frontlines was ruthlessly beaten to death for stealing six potatoes,” said another North Korea source. “Provisions in the military aren’t sufficient, and cases of soldiers escaping are not subsiding.”
In preparation for the summer training exercises, high ranking military personnel will personally strengthen inspections on military command.
Helicopters from bases on the frontlines will be sent to Pyongyang to transport these high-ranking personnel.
The monsoons in the Hwanghae and Gangwon provinces have flooded their military camps and torn down its fences. They are currently being repaired, the source also added.