Following the public purging of Jang Sung

Taek last week, the focus all across North Korea is now on suppressing internal sources of unrest. This is being done in a number of ways, Daily NK has learned.

The authorities are emphasizing the

importance of ideology and commitment to the regime through so-called “loyalty meetings,” but have also openly cautioned against careless talk about the purge. At the same time, they haven’t put in place any extra controls over markets, and there has been no

unusual inconvenience for the people in this respect.

A source from Sinuiju, North Pyongan

Province told Daily NK on the 12th, “Since Jang Sung Taek’s arrest

was broadcast on television on the 8th there have been big meetings saying we

must defend the Marshal (Kim Jong Eun) to the death. They’ve been held by unit

and organization in enterprises and places like the Women’s Union [Chosun Union

of Democratic Women].”

“At the meetings there have been pledges

made and a song about safeguarding [the regime] to the death has been sung, but as of yet

there have been no restrictions on markets or trade,” she added. “The leader of

the meeting told us that recent events are ‘nothing to the Marshal, so don’t worry

and just go about your daily lives.’ There have been no special directives such

as trade restrictions, either. People who had been worried about market restrictions

are relieved.”

“[The authorities] are concerned that if markets were to

be restricted while all these events related to the capture of Jang’s associates are going on, then the people could grow deeply dissatisfied.” However, the source

revealed that while the authorities haven’t passed any measures shutting markets

or altering opening hours, “The number of security agents has risen, and they

are so uptight that even if people are only talking about trade they get a really

edgy response.”

Interestingly, the source asserted that special

supplies of electricity were provided to her region just so people would be able

to view the scene of Jang’s arrest. Apparently, those who saw it described it

as “unbelievable,” but many suspected a fabrication on the part of the regime.

Reviewing Jang’s list of alleged crimes,

which included selling state resources cheaply, corruption, drug abuse and

gambling, the source pointed out that everyone knows “all cadres do those things, so

why has this suddenly become a problem?”

“Yesterday the Ministry of Public Security

was patrolling my village and visited two or three homes,” she recalled. “They

singled out people who could pass word around easily and affect local sentiment, telling them to keep quiet about the Jang purge.” They reportedly

warned the targeted civilians: “Reckless talk will mean trouble for you.”