North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the restoration and upgrading of security checkpoints in Jagang province after they were severely damaged by recent floods. The order, issued last month, came in response to comprehensive reports detailing extensive damage to various structures, including residential areas and government facilities, with a focus on strengthening the capabilities and roles of the affected checkpoints.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source in the province told The Daily NK on Tuesday that the directive made the reconstruction of the Ministry of State Security checkpoints No. 10 and the Ministry of Social Security checkpoints a top priority to be accomplished quickly. It was accompanied by an order calling for the immediate mobilization of government materials and personnel.
The order also urged the authorities to use the opportunity to restore the checkpoints, strengthen their capabilities and re-equip their security systems. The order called for strengthening the policing capabilities of the checkpoints, which play a crucial role in maintaining state security and social order, and perfecting their security systems.
“It is noteworthy that the order provides for 50% more new motorcycles than currently on hand, so that every checkpoint has a motorcycle for enforcement use,” the source said.
“As the state has become more sensitive to national security this year, it’s paid much more attention to strengthening the mobility and responsiveness of the checkpoints. In the midst of this, the checkpoints suffered damage, so the authorities plan to use this as an opportunity not only to restore them to their former state, but also to build a strong security apparatus.”
Tense atmosphere among Jagang province residents
With the issuance of the directive, each sector immediately began accelerating efforts to restore the checkpoints by deploying personnel, materials, and resources.
The atmosphere on the ground is quite tense, with the state demonstrating that it is putting all its might into restoring the checkpoints, the source said.
“Residents of Jagang province are focusing on whether the crackdown on locals will intensify as they watch the checkpoints being quickly rebuilt,” the source said. “People say that anyone who wants to go to another province, or even another party in Jagang province, has to pass through these checkpoints, and they worry that they will have to hold their breath every time they undergo intensive inspections.”