Pyongyang, October 27 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun in a political essay Wednesday called upon all the people to wage a nationwide labor drive, holding high the torch lit in South Hamgyong Province on the east coast of Korea.

The essay explains what happened in the province and how it became the torch of the era.

It said:

The coal gasification project was completed at the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex to mass-produce fertilizer.

The Ryongsong Machine Complex succeeded in manufacturing geothermal equipment by its efforts in a matter of 135 days,

A horizontal spinning process was completed at the February 8 Vinalon Complex and went operational.

A leaping advance was again made at the Taehung Mine and the Ryongyang Mine and the appearance of Tanchon area has changed beyond recognition.

The progress made in South Hamgyong Province means that of the nation's industry and development of the country.

South Hamgyong Province admirably responded to the call of the party and country in a timely and crucial historic period.

What did breathe a new life into the province where factories had been at standstill due to the snowstorm of the Arduous March and made the hearts of the workers with a heroic history behind burn with strong determination.

It was the torch of victory lit by General Secretary Kim Jong Il.

It was in that province that Kim Jong Il made the forced march in the sweltering mid-summer heat and by driving his car at the top speed along the road wet with rain.

It was there that he was so pleased with the success made in the production of steel without using coke that he paid tribute to workers before a chart for visual aid. It was again in that province that Kim Jong Il, destiny of the country, wore a safety helmet and went down twice to the pit where water was dropping from its ceiling.

The people of the province with pure and strong hearts were united to uphold Kim Jong Il, launching an indefatigable labor drive. This developed into raging flames hotter than lava. This unusual loyalty and the inexhaustible might of single-minded unity of the population of the province stirred up the whole country in October.

The centenary of birth of President Kim Il Sung, a great auspicious event in the nation's history, is close at hand.

Let's fling open at a breath the gate to victory in the spirit, work style and fighting traits of the people of the above-said province!

This is the call of the party and country.

This is the response of all the people to emerge victorious as befitting the descendants of Kim Il Sung's nation.

The people of South Hamgyong Province never yield to any trial but make persevering efforts to unconditionally carry out whatever difficult work. This spirit and executive ability are their traits and mettle.

They demonstrated in practice that Korea does what it determines to do and proved that this represents the national identity and traits of Koreans.

The DPRK is on the track of sure victory and even this hour witnesses fresh fruits of creativity and prosperity.

It will steadily advance and always emerge victorious according to its timetable no matter what difficulties lie before it.

Let the flames in the province flare up with greater force!