North Korean authorities are stopping pedestrians in border areas and forcing many to work on greenhouse construction projects. These daytime roundups are occurring in North Pyongan province, a region that suffered heavy flooding last year.
According to a source in North Pyongan province recently, agents from Unified Command 82, which oversees the suppression of anti-socialist behavior, have been questioning pedestrians in broad daylight on the streets of Sinuiju. Those unable to prove their workplace affiliation or show evidence of official business are being sent to greenhouse construction sites.
The agents are also using accusations of “non-socialist behavior” – such as improper dress or street vending – as justification for conscripting people into forced labor. Those sent to the construction sites typically end up digging holes or sorting rocks.
These roundups appear linked to Kim Jong Un’s recently announced plan for extensive greenhouse construction. The initiative was originally presented as a way to improve living conditions in flood-damaged areas, but has now become a pretext for forced labor.
During a Dec. 21 ribbon-cutting ceremony for homes in flood-affected areas of North Pyongan province, Kim announced plans to “build extensive greenhouses covering hundreds of jeongbo (roughly equivalent to hectares) on Wihwa and Taji islands next year.”
“We will transform Sinuiju into a progressive city that embodies the modernity, originality, and national character that demonstrate Socialist Korea’s advancement and might,” Kim declared.
While Kim stated that “units from the Korean People’s Army and the Paektusan Hero Youth Shock Brigade would lead the greenhouse construction,” and these groups have indeed begun foundation work on the islands, Unified Command 82 is using street sweeps to create additional labor crews.
“These actions reflect the party’s ambition to make the border city of Sinuiju a showcase of national power and development,” the source explained.
The sweeps are affecting people across different areas and social groups. “A moonshine trafficker in Kaechon was detained by Unified Command 82 on Jan. 15 and forced to clear ground at a construction site for three days. Housewives are also frequently being conscripted,” the source added.
Sinuiju residents have grown increasingly resentful of the large-scale construction project. “People here don’t want these greenhouses or other facilities. They’re worried about being drafted for state construction projects nationwide and being forced to pay for building materials again this year,” the source said.
February 04, 2025 at 02:04PM
by DailyNK(North Korean Media)