Lagatar24 Desk
Pyongyang, Dec.17: In another absurd move, the North Korean administration has prohibited its citizens from laughing for ten days to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the death of former Supreme Leader Kim Jong Il. The tenth anniversary of his death is on Friday, December 17.
Several limitations have been imposed on North Koreans to honour the event, including a prohibition on laughing. According to a resident of the border city of Sinuiju, North Koreans are prohibited from consuming alcohol, laughing, shopping for groceries, or indulging in leisure activities.
Any violation of the rule during the 10-day mourning period will result in significant consequences.
“In the past, many people who were caught drinking or being intoxicated during the mourning period were arrested and treated as ideological criminals,” the unnamed citizen said. “They were taken away and never seen again.” During the mourning period, no one will be allowed to carry out even funeral rites or services or celebrate birthdays.
Another source said that the police issued a similar order at the start of the month to guarantee that the grieving period was in an “appropriate mood.”
North Korea has a number of events scheduled to honour Kim Jong Il’s life. A public exhibition of his photography and art, a concert, and a presentation of the ‘Kimjongilia,’ a flower named after him, are among the events planned.
