No Laughing, No shopping in N. Korea

Web Desk — In order to mark the 10th death anniversary of North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-il, the state has barred its citizens from laughing, shopping and other leisure activities for 11 days.

Drinking will also be prohibited during the mourning period. This is not a new practice in North Korea as the same have been imposed in the past, media has reported.

According to international media “many people who were caught drinking or drunk during the restriction were arrested and treated as ideological criminals, and were never seen again.”

Under these bizzare restrictions, the North Korean nationals are also not allowed to celebrate birthdays or mourn evem if any relative dies during the period. In case of death the mourning rituals will be held later.

Kim Jong Il ruled North Korea for 17 years until his death in December 2011, passing on power to his son. The Kim family has been ruling the country since 1948.