Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- People in North Hamgyong Province are overwhelmed with grief over the sudden demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

A great number of working people, servicepersons and students visited the statue of President Kim Il Sung in the provincial capital of Chongjin and big mosaics depicting the great persons of Mt. Paektu in different parts of the province to express their condolences.

They bitterly wept over the demise of Kim Jong Il, the great father of the Korean nation, unable to keep back their grief.

Kim Chol Jin, head of a workshop of the Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex, said he hardly imagined he would hear such shocking news.

"When thinking of the immortal dedication of Kim Jong Il and his tireless efforts, I feel my heart would break," he said.

"We will overcome grief and display redoubled strength and courage and work harder to win victory in the drive for building an economic power," he added.

Hwang Chol Nam, a worker of the Chongjin Steel Works, said Kim Jong Il devoted himself to the happiness of the beloved people all his life.

He vowed to hold him in high esteem forever and advance staunchly, true to the leadership of General Kim Jong Un.

Ri Chun Son, a work-team head of the Susong Co-op Farm in Songphyong District, Chongjin City, pledged herself to become a patriotic farmer in the era of Songun who devotedly defends General Kim Jong Un through the increased grain production true to the idea and leadership of Kim Jong Il.