of ‘Totalitarian Dictatorship’. North Korea is led by a single party called the Korean Worker’s Party. It is a socialist state, with a state owned economy, entirely Government planned. The North Korean media is one of the most controlled media in the world. In a strict violation to the freedom of expression, the Korean people cannot criticize the government, leader and its policies-making such statements can land them up in a jail and consignment to one of North Korea-“re-education” camps. It is the Govt. which distributes all the radio and television sets, citizens are prohibited to alter them to make it possible to receive broadcasts from other nations, doing so carries draconian penalties. The country is ranked 2nd to last on the World Press Freedom Index. The civil organizations go all gaga over the government and literally worship the cult personalities of Kim Jong-il, the current ruler [see picture] and his late papa, King ll-sung. {Both the Kim's [i.e. the father-son duo] have often been compared to the likes of Hitler and are known through out the world for their dictatorial style} Usually, North Korean citizens are not allowed to freely travel or go abroad. Their lives can be compared to a student facing a dreaded detention, like a bird living in a steel cage or like a person grounded for life. Quite in stark contrast to North Korea is our very own India, where we get to see acrimonious verbal wars between the Centre and the Opposition on various issues of national importance. Our media has been sort of a mobilizer of public opinion and has been a platform for the aam admi to voice their concerns and problems which is the exact opposite of the role of North Korean media. After drawing comparisons between the two nations, I feel truly privileged and lucky to be an Indian, and not a North Korean citizen!![With opinions as expressed by Tejas Singh]
