Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- People in North Hwanghae Province of the DPRK are ardently calling leader Kim Jong Il, father of the nation, in bitter sorrow over his sudden demise.

In front of the statues of President Kim Il Sung in their residential areas those inhabitants writhed in agony of pain and grief at the great loss.

Among them were those who grew to be faithful officials of the Workers' Party of Korea, heroes and deputies to the Supreme People's Assembly under the deep trust and loving care of Kim Jong Il.

They also included persons who had honor of having a photo taken with him, war veterans, members of the youth league and the children's union, kindergarteners, servicepersons, producers of electricity and steel and agricultural workers.

Indeed, all the Korean people have cast in their lot with him and never thought of their honor, happiness, pride and dignity apart from his loving care. That is why they are lamenting so bitterly over his demise.

They cried for dear father, saying in unison: We cannot trust the news of his demise. How happy we were to see the image of the smiling leader on his way of field guidance some days ago. It is really unbelievable. It seems as if the earth was breaking down and sky falling."

Ri Hyon Sim (29), a peasant of the Migok Co-op Farm in Sariwon City, said:

Now we can hardly stand the sorrow and agony. However, we will overcome this sorrow and pain and display fresh strength and courage.

We are afraid of nothing as we have General Kim Jong Un and sure to win.